In Africa Operation Serengeti has concluded, with law enforcement agencies from 19 countries arresting over 1000 individuals suspected of cybercrime that caused nearly $193 million in damages worldwide.
The operation, coordinated by Interpol and Africipol, took place from September 2 to October 31. It primarily targeted crimes involving ransomware, BEC scams, extortion, and online fraud.
Interpol reported that 1006 suspects were apprehended, and more than 134,000 malicious infrastructures and networks were dismantled. Investigations revealed the suspects’ ties to harmful networks and their connection to 35,224 victims who collectively lost $193 million. Approximately $44 million was recovered during the operation.
Regional achievements of the operation:
- Kenya: Uncovered credit card fraud resulting in $8.6 million stolen through SWIFT to accounts in the UAE, Nigeria, and China. Around 20 individuals were arrested.
- Senegal: Exposed a financial pyramid scheme where 1811 people lost $6 million. More than 900 SIM cards, $11,000 in cash, phones, laptops, and victims’ certificates were seized. 8 individuals, including 5 Chinese citizens, were detained.
- Nigeria: Arrested the mastermind of an investment scam that defrauded customers of $300,000 with false promises of cryptocurrency returns.
- Cameroon: Disrupted a multi-level marketing scam that targeted victims across 7 countries. Victims were coerced into recruiting new members to gain their freedom, resulting in at least $150,000 in membership fees.
- Angola: Dismantled an international group operating a virtual casino in Luanda. The scheme enticed hundreds of victims with promises of rewards for recruiting new participants. 150 individuals were arrested, and authorities confiscated 200 computers and over 100 mobile phones.
The SERENGETI operation received funding from the Foreign Ministries of Great Britain and Germany, as well as the Council of Europe. Participating countries included Algeria, Angola, Benin, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and others. Partnerships were established with cybersecurity companies such as Fortinet, Group-IB, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, and Team