1,006 Cybercriminals Arrested Across Africa in Interpol's 'Serengeti' Operation

In an unprecedented move to combat the surging tides of cybercrime, Interpol, in collaboration with Afripol, the African Union's policing body, has conducted a massive operation across 19 African nations, resulting in the arrest of 1,006 individuals suspected of engaging in a variety of cybercrimes.

Dubbed "Operation Serengeti," the initiative ran from September 2 to October 31 and targeted cybercriminals involved in ransomware, business email compromise, digital extortion, and online scams. These crimes have not only left tens of thousands of victims in their wake but have also led to nearly $193 million in financial losses worldwide.

The operation uncovered various schemes, from sophisticated credit card fraud to Ponzi schemes that ensnared thousands. In Kenya, authorities dismantled a significant credit card fraud network linked to losses exceeding $8.6 million. The funds were siphoned off through fraudulent scripts and redistributed through international channels to companies in the UAE, Nigeria, and China before being funneled into digital asset institutions.

In Senegal, a different kind of scam was brought to light with the arrest of eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, for running a $6 million Ponzi scheme that affected 1,811 victims. The authorities discovered a trove of over 900 SIM cards, cash, and electronic devices during the apartment search, highlighting the scale of this operation.

Nigeria wasn't immune either, with a man arrested for orchestrating online investment scams promising cryptocurrency returns, amassing over $300,000. Meanwhile, in Cameroon, a group was apprehended for exploiting a multi-level marketing scheme to traffic victims from seven different countries, trapping them in a cycle of recruitment to gain freedom, having already pocketed at least $150,000 in membership fees.

Angola saw the takedown of an international criminal group running an illegal virtual casino in Luanda, defrauding hundreds through their online platform. The operation led to 150 arrests, with the seizure of numerous electronic devices, underscoring the international nature of these cybercrimes.

Operation Serengeti success was bolstered by the collaboration of local law enforcement, private sector partners, and internet service providers, who shared intelligence and assisted in securing critical infrastructure. This partnership was pivotal in identifying over 35,000 victims and linking them to the financial losses.

Valdecy Urquiza, Interpol's Secretary General, emphasized the operation's significance, stating, "From multi-level marketing scams to credit card fraud on an industrial scale, the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks is of serious concern. Operation Serengeti shows what we can achieve by working together."

Jalel Chelba, Afripol's Executive Director, highlighted the operation's role in enhancing support for law enforcement within African Union Member States. He noted that while Serengeti marked a significant victory, Afripol is now focusing on emerging threats like AI-driven malware and advanced cyberattack techniques.

Interpol's operations Assistant Director of Cybercrime Operations, Enrique Hernandez Gonzalez, pointed out that the operation's results were a "drastic increase" compared to previous efforts, where only 25 arrests were made in the last two years, showcasing a significant leap in effectiveness.

The operation was funded by contributions from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the Council of Europe, reflecting the international commitment to tackling cybercrime in Africa.

As cybercrime continues to evolve and expand, operations like Serengeti underscore the critical need for international cooperation to dismantle these networks. Interpol, with 196 member countries, plays a key role in facilitating this communication and cooperation, aiming to curb the rise of cyber threats, human trafficking, and financial fraud.

This operation stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local and international bodies unite against the global menace of cybercrime, protecting countless potential victims from financial pain and personal trauma.

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