Over 1,200 Arrested in Africa-Wide Cybercrime Crackdown
▼ Summary
– INTERPOL-led Operation Serengeti 2.0 resulted in the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals across Africa between June and August 2025.
– Authorities seized $97.4 million and dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures linked to attacks on 87,858 victims worldwide.
– The operation involved investigators from 18 African countries and the UK targeting ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise.
– This action was part of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime, funded by the UK and supported by private sector data partners.
– INTERPOL emphasized that each operation builds cooperation and investigative skills, strengthening the global network against cybercrime.
Law enforcement agencies across Africa have achieved a major breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime, arresting over 1,200 suspects in a sweeping international operation coordinated by INTERPOL. Dubbed Operation Serengeti 2.0, the initiative targeted transnational criminal networks responsible for ransomware attacks, online scams, and business email compromise schemes affecting nearly 88,000 victims worldwide.
Between June and August 2025, authorities from 18 African nations, supported by the United Kingdom, seized an estimated $97.4 million in illicit funds and dismantled 11,432 pieces of malicious infrastructure. The operation was conducted under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime framework, with financial backing from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
Private sector cybersecurity firms played a crucial role in the crackdown, contributing intelligence and data analysis. Partners included Cybercrime Atlas, Fortinet, Group-IB, Kaspersky, The Shadowserver Foundation, Team Cymru, Trend Micro, TRM Labs, and Uppsala Security. Their collaboration enabled investigators to trace digital footprints, identify key suspects, and disrupt criminal operations on an unprecedented scale.
This latest success builds on a series of recent cybercrime takedowns across the continent. Just months earlier, Operation Red Card led to the arrest of 306 individuals between November 2024 and February 2025, linked to attacks impacting more than 5,000 victims. Another major effort, the original Operation Serengeti in late 2024, resulted in the apprehension of 1,006 suspects involved in ransomware, digital extortion, and online fraud.
Further back, Operation Africa Cyber Surge II in April 2023 saw police from 25 African countries arrest 14 individuals connected to financial crimes causing losses exceeding $40 million. These recurring operations reflect a growing commitment to regional cooperation and capacity-building in cybersecurity enforcement.
Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration. “Each operation strengthens our collective ability to combat cyber threats,” he stated. “Through shared expertise and increased information exchange, we are creating a global network that is more resilient and effective than ever before.”
The continued success of these initiatives signals a turning point in the battle against cybercriminal enterprises operating out of Africa. By pooling resources, expertise, and intelligence, international partners are making it increasingly difficult for malicious actors to evade justice.
(Source: Bleeping Computer)
