African Law Enforcement Agencies Nab Cybercrime Syndicates

African nations, working with Interpol and private-sector partners, have stepped up disruption of cybercrime operations across the continent, culminating in Operation Serengeti 2.0. In the latest operation, 18 African nations teamed with Interpol to investigate and arrest more than 1,200 suspected cybercriminals over the past three months, including a gang behind $300 million in investment fraud and a syndicate of Chinese nationals illegally mining cryptocurrency.

The efforts, Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate said, have helped reclaim more than $97 million in stolen funds, 45 illicit power stations from a crypto-mining facility, and IT equipment valued at more than $37 million. The operation is described as evidence of a maturing cross-border collaboration that strengthens capacity to investigate and prosecute cybercrime, with officials noting that cybercrime does not stop at borders.

The article also highlights that more than 65,000 victims were affected by Serengeti, and that these joint investigations are aimed at building long-term law enforcement capability and deterrence across Africa.