Operation Serengeti 2.0: Interpol makes over 1,200 arrests related to digital fraud networks

A large-scale campaign against cybercrime coordinated by Interpol has led to the arrest of 1,209 suspects across Africa and the recovery of nearly $97.4 million. The operation, dubbed “Operation Serengeti 2.0,” was carried out between June and August 2025. Last year, in the first Operation Serengeti, Interpol arrested more than 1,000 people who affected 35,000 victims.

Investigators from 18 African countries and the United Kingdom participated in this operation to combat cybercrimes such as fake inheritance scams, ransomware, and business email compromise. In total, the scams are estimated to have affected nearly 88,000 victims, according to a statement from the international police organization.

Within the operation, some actions carried out in different countries stand out. In Angola, 25 cryptocurrency mining centers were dismantled, where 60 Chinese citizens were engaged in cryptocurrency mining. The operation led to the confiscation of equipment worth more than $37 million, which is planned to be used to support energy distribution in vulnerable areas.

In Zambia, the operation dismantled an online investment scam that defrauded more than 65,000 victims of an estimated $300 million through a fraudulent high-yield cryptocurrency scheme. According to the organization, 15 people were arrested and authorities seized evidence, including domains, mobile phone numbers, and bank accounts.

Interpol also claimed to have dismantled a transnational inheritance scam in Ivory Coast that had originated in Germany. Victims of that scam were tricked into paying fees to claim fake inheritances, resulting in losses of $1.6 million.