Operation Serengeti 2.0: Interpol’s Cybercrime Crackdown Nets 1,209 Arrests Across Africa

In a sweeping cybercrime crackdown across Africa, Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0 has led to the arrest of 1,209 suspects and the recovery of nearly $97.4 million linked to financial fraud, ransomware, and cryptocurrency scams. This coordinated effort, which spanned multiple African nations, marks one of the largest cybercrime interventions in the region’s history.

The operation demonstrates how international policing and digital forensics are reshaping the fight against cybercriminal syndicates that prey on vulnerable victims through online scams, identity theft, and cross-border fraud.

A Closer Look at Operation Serengeti 2.0

Interpol launched Serengeti 2.0 earlier this year as a continuation of its earlier “Serengeti” program, designed to dismantle cybercrime networks operating across Africa and beyond. While the first phase focused on regional scams, this expanded mission targeted transnational criminal organizations responsible for billions of dollars in global financial losses.

Key highlights of the operation include:

• 1,209 arrests made across several African countries.

• $97.4 million in recovered assets, including frozen bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and intercepted payments.

• Confiscation of hundreds of computers, mobile devices, and servers used in fraud operations.

• Identification of networks linked to inheritance fraud, ransomware schemes, and crypto-related scams.

Interpol confirmed that the arrests included both local operators and international masterminds who were coordinating large-scale cyber operations from within Africa.

Types of Cybercrimes Targeted

1. Inheritance Fraud Schemes

Inheritance fraud, sometimes called “next of kin scams,” was a major focus of the operation. Criminal groups posing as attorneys or government officials attempted to convince victims—often elderly individuals—that they were heirs to unclaimed estates. Victims were tricked into paying “legal fees” and “transfer taxes,” which were siphoned into criminal accounts.

Interpol reports that millions of dollars were recovered from such fraudulent schemes during Serengeti 2.0.

2. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware continues to pose a global threat, and African-based cyber groups have been increasingly active in targeting both local and international organizations. In several cases, Interpol agents worked with cybersecurity firms to decrypt seized ransomware servers, allowing affected companies to recover their systems without paying ransom demands.

3. Cryptocurrency Scams

The rise of digital currencies has opened new opportunities for fraud. Serengeti 2.0 uncovered elaborate cryptocurrency investment scams in which victims were lured into fraudulent trading platforms promising unrealistic returns. Many were encouraged to invest more after initial “profits” were displayed, only to later discover their accounts had been drained.

According to Interpol, dozens of fraudulent crypto platforms were shut down as part of this operation.

Why Africa Has Become a Cybercrime Hotspot

While cybercrime is a global issue, Africa has emerged as a significant hub due to several factors:

1. Expanding internet penetration: With more Africans gaining online access, criminals have a larger pool of potential victims.

2. Weak regulatory frameworks: Many countries lack strong cybersecurity laws, making prosecution difficult.

3. Cross-border coordination gaps: Criminals exploit the lack of synchronization between African nations’ law enforcement.

4. Economic vulnerabilities: High unemployment rates create fertile ground for recruitment into cybercriminal networks.

The involvement of Interpol helps bridge these gaps by providing expertise, resources, and intelligence sharing among countries.

International Collaboration at Work

Interpol worked closely with local police forces, financial regulators, and cybersecurity firms to track, intercept, and dismantle the fraud rings. Several international agencies—including Europol and the FBI—also provided intelligence to trace financial flows and digital fingerprints.

The operation highlighted the importance of global partnerships in combating crimes that have no respect for national borders. As one Interpol spokesperson noted:

“Cybercrime is borderless. Criminals may sit in Lagos, Nairobi, or Johannesburg, but their victims are spread across London, New York, and Sydney. Only coordinated global policing can counter such threats.”

Human Impact: Stories of Victims

Behind the staggering numbers lie real victims whose lives were upended by fraud.

• In South Africa, a retired teacher lost over ₹40 lakh after falling victim to a cryptocurrency pyramid scheme.

• A Kenyan businessman nearly lost his logistics company when ransomware froze his operations. Interpol’s intervention helped restore his systems.

• Several victims of inheritance fraud in Europe were identified, proving the global reach of Africa-based scams.

Interpol’s asset recovery efforts are now working to return funds to defrauded victims, although officials warn that complete restitution is not always possible.

Broader Implications for Global Cybersecurity

Operation Serengeti 2.0 sends a powerful message: law enforcement is catching up with cybercriminals. But experts caution that such crackdowns, while impactful, represent only part of the solution.

Key takeaways:

1. Capacity building in Africa: More investment is needed in local cyber-policing units.

2. Public awareness campaigns: Educating citizens about scams can prevent victimization.

3. Private sector collaboration: Banks, telecoms, and crypto exchanges must strengthen fraud detection systems.

4. Sustainable funding: Global institutions must support African governments with technical training and legal reforms.

As technology evolves, so do the methods of criminals. This makes continuous adaptation critical.