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A massive, continent-wide cybercrime crackdown has delivered a stunning blow to global criminal networks, with authorities across Africa and the United Kingdom arresting over 1,200 suspects in Operation Serengeti 2.0.
The sweeping operation, which ran from June to August 2025, dismantled more than 11,000 malicious online infrastructures and recovered nearly $97.4 million in illicit funds, marking one of the most significant coordinated efforts against cyber-crime in recent history. This coordinated initiative, run by the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime and funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, aimed to dismantle networks involved in online fraud, particularly those exploiting the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market.
A Continent Unites Against Cybercrime
Spearheaded by Interpol and involving 18 African nations, the operation targeted high-impact threats like ransomware, business email compromise and sophisticated online investment scams, demonstrating the power of international cooperation in the digital age. The operation’s success was built on unprecedented collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private sector partners, including cybersecurity firms like TRM Labs, Kapersky and Fortinet, who provided critical intelligence on ransomware laundering and fraudulent infrastructure. This intelligence, shared ahead of the operation, allowed investigators to act swiftly and dismantle networks before they could cause further harm. The results were dramatic: from the high-tech mining centres of Angola to the scam hubs of Zambia, criminal operations were brought to a halt.
Angola: Cracking Down on Illicit Crypto Mining
In Angola, authorities executed a major raid on 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centres, dismantling a sophisticated network run by foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese citizens. These centres, which were fraudulently validating cryptocurrency transactions while also illegally tapping into the national power grid, were powered by 45 illicit power stations and equipped with mining hardware valued at over $37 million. The Angolan government plans to repurpose the confiscated mining hardware to help improve electricity access in underserved areas. This represents a significant victory in the fight against energy theft and illicit digital currency generation.
Zambia: Unravelling a $300 Million Investment Scam
Zambia saw the dismantling of one of the largest online investment fraud schemes ever recorded on the continent. Authorities identified a network that had defrauded an estimated 65,000 victims of over $300 million by luring them with promises of high-yield cryptocurrency returns through aggressive advertising. Victims were tricked into downloading multiple apps, a tactic used to siphon their funds. The operation led to the arrest of 15 individuals and the seizure of key evidence, including domains, bank accounts and mobile numbers, with investigations ongoing to track down overseas collaborators.
Ivory Coast: Disrupting a Transnational Inheritance Scam
In Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), investigators shut down a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany, a classic but highly profitable fraud that continues to plague victims worldwide. The ringleader was arrested and authorities seized a haul of assets including cash, luxury vehicles, jewellery, electronics and documents, with the scam causing an estimated $1.6 million in losses. This case highlights how cybercriminals exploit international borders to perpetrate fraud, a threat that Operation Serengeti 2.0 was specifically designed to counter.
Source: INTERPOL
A New Era of Proactive Cybersecurity
The success of Operation Serengeti 2.0 is not just about arrests and seizures; it’s a testament to a new, proactive approach to combating cybercrime. The operation was preceded by hands-on training workshops for investigators in open-source intelligence, cryptocurrency tracing and ransomware analysis, significantly boosting their capabilities. Furthermore, the partnership with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP) focused on identifying and mitigating potential threats before they materialise, shifting the paradigm from reactive to preventive action.
“Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing and developing investigative skills across member countries. With more contributions and shared expertise, the results keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims.”
– Interpol’s Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.
Clearing the Name of Crypto: Another Step Toward Legitimacy
The success of Operation Serengeti 2.0 is a significant win not only for law enforcement but also for the legitimate cryptocurrency ecosystem, which has long struggled with the damaging reputation fuelled by fraud and illicit activity. High-profile scams and cybercrime rings often dominate headlines, creating public scepticism and regulatory scrutiny that can overshadow the transformative potential of blockchain technology. By taking decisive action against criminal networks exploiting digital assets, authorities are helping to draw a clear line between malicious actors and genuine innovators.
This operation sends a strong message: while cybercriminals will be pursued and shut down, the responsible use of cryptocurrency—for financial inclusion, transparent transactions and decentralised innovation—will be protected and supported. For an industry striving to build trust and mainstream adoption, such efforts are a crucial step toward a more secure and credible digital future.
Key Takeaways: Africa’s Pro-Crypto Crackdown (TL;DR)
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Africa is leading, not lagging: Far from banning crypto, African nations are taking bold, coordinated action to protect its future and legitimacy.
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Operation Serengeti 2.0 was a continent-wide success: 1,209 arrests, $97.4M recovered, and 11,432 malicious networks dismantled across 18 African countries and the UK.
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Targets included major scams: From a $300M crypto investment fraud in Zambia to illegal mining rings in Angola and transnational inheritance scams in Ivory Coast.
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Enforcement = trust-building: These crackdowns aren’t anti-crypto—they’re pro-integrity, helping separate real innovation from criminal abuse.
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Public-private collaboration worked: Interpol, African law enforcement and private firms (Fortinet, TRM Labs, Kaspersky) joined forces to boost investigative capacity.
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Africa is building the foundation for mainstream crypto adoption: By fighting fraud head-on, the continent is proving it’s serious about secure, responsible digital finance.
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The message is clear: Africa isn’t rejecting crypto—it’s securing it, shaping it, and leading the way toward a safer, more trusted ecosystem.
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