In a significant stride toward tackling the growing menace of cybercrime, more than 1,000 individuals suspected of cyber-related offenses were arrested across 19 African nations between September and October 2023. This coordinated effort, spearheaded by Interpol in collaboration with Afripol, the African Union’s policing organization, was part of "Operation Serengeti," a groundbreaking initiative targeting cybercriminals involved in ransomware, digital extortion, phishing scams, and other online fraud schemes.
A Coordinated Response to Cyber Threats
The operation, which ran from September 2 to October 31, aimed to address some of the most pressing cyber threats identified in the 2024 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report. With over 35,000 victims identified and financial losses amounting to nearly $193 million globally, the initiative highlighted the devastating impact of cybercrime on individuals and organizations alike.
The operation spanned 19 African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These nations collaborated closely with Interpol and its private sector partners to ensure intelligence-driven actions targeting high-priority cybercriminals.
Leveraging Intelligence and Partnerships
The success of Operation Serengeti was largely attributed to the intelligence-driven approach adopted by participating countries. Information shared with Interpol led to the production of 65 Cyber Analytical Reports that guided on-the-ground actions. The operation also benefited from the support of private sector partners such as Internet Service Providers and cybersecurity firms like Fortinet, Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro. These organizations provided critical intelligence, supported analysis efforts, and helped secure vulnerable infrastructure across the participating nations.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of Interpol, emphasized the importance of collaboration in combating cybercrime: “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, and these arrests alone will save countless potential future victims from real personal and financial pain.”
Ambassador Jalel Chelba, Executive Director of Afripol, echoed these sentiments: “Through Serengeti, Afripol has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States. We’ve facilitated key arrests and deepened insights into cybercrime trends. Our focus now includes emerging threats like AI-driven malware and advanced attack techniques.”
National Case Studies: Success Stories from the Ground
Operation Serengeti uncovered a wide range of sophisticated cybercriminal activities across the continent. Some notable cases include:
Kenya:Authorities uncovered an online credit card fraud scheme linked to losses of $8.6 million. The stolen funds were funneled through international financial systems and digital asset institutions. Nearly two dozen arrests were made in connection with this case.
Senegal: Eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for orchestrating a $6 million online Ponzi scheme that victimized over 1,800 people. Investigators seized 900 SIM cards, $11,000 in cash, electronic devices, and copies of victims’ identification documents.
Nigeria: A man accused of running online investment scams was apprehended. He reportedly earned over $300,000 by luring victims with false promises of cryptocurrency returns.
Cameroon: Authorities dismantled a group running a multi-level marketing scam that trafficked victims from seven countries. Victims were coerced into recruiting others after paying membership fees under false pretenses. Preliminary estimates suggest the group amassed at least $150,000 in fees.
Angola: Investigators shut down an international criminal group operating a virtual casino in Luanda. The platform targeted Brazilian and Nigerian gamblers with fraudulent schemes. Approximately 150 arrests were made, and officers seized 200 computers and over 100 mobile phones.
A Global Effort to Combat Cybercrime
Operation Serengeti was made possible through funding from international partners such as the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the Council of Europe. Operational partners like Cybercrime Atlas and Uppsala Security also played pivotal roles in ensuring the operation's success.
While the arrests and disruptions achieved through Operation Serengeti represent a significant milestone in combating cybercrime in Africa, law enforcement agencies acknowledge that this is just the beginning. The increasing sophistication of cybercriminals — coupled with emerging threats like AI-driven malware — underscores the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation.
As Secretary General Urquiza remarked: “We know that this is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will continue targeting these criminal groups worldwide.” With initiatives like Operation Serengeti setting a strong precedent for cross-border collaboration, there is renewed hope for a safer digital future for individuals and organizations across Africa and beyond.
