INTERPOL, in collaboration with Afripol, the African Union police agency, has arrested 1,006 suspects across 19 African countries in a two-month crackdown on cybercrime. Dubbed Operation Serengeti, the initiative ran from September 2 to October 31, tackling a wide range of cyber offences, including ransomware attacks, business email compromises, online scams, and digital extortion.
The operation uncovered tens of thousands of victims and significant financial damages, with nearly $193 million in worldwide losses linked to cases identified during the sweep. Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza described the growing sophistication of cyberattacks as a pressing concern, stating: ‘From multi-level marketing scams to large-scale credit card fraud, cybercrime attacks are becoming more complex and damaging.’
Key arrests and operations
The extensive operation highlighted diverse and highly organised cybercrime networks operating in the region. Some notable arrests include:
- Kenya: Nearly two dozen suspects were detained in connection with a massive online credit card fraud case, resulting in $8.6 million in financial losses.
- Senegal: Police arrested eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, for orchestrating a $6 million Ponzi scheme.
- Cameroon: Authorities dismantled a network suspected of using multi-level marketing scams for human trafficking purposes.
- Angola: A criminal ring operating an illegal virtual casino was brought down.
- Nigeria: A cryptocurrency investment scam was halted, further highlighting the growing misuse of digital assets in cybercrime.
Jalel Chelba, Afripol’s Executive Director, stressed the need to stay ahead of emerging threats, particularly those involving Artificial Intelligence-driven malware and advanced cyber attack techniques.
Collaboration powers Operation Serengeti
The success of Operation Serengeti was credited to cooperation between local law enforcement, private-sector partners, and internet service providers. The initiative not only focused on apprehending suspects but also identified 35,000 victims, offering some a chance at restitution. ‘Through Serengeti, Afripol has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States,’ said Chelba.
The operation also targeted cyber-enabled crimes linked to human trafficking, illustrating the intersection between cybercrime and broader transnational criminal activities.
Interpol’s broader challenges and role
As the world’s largest international police organisation, Interpol has played a pivotal role in bridging law enforcement across its 196 member countries. With expertise in counterterrorism, financial crime, cybercrime, and organised crime, the agency has adapted to address emerging threats.
However, Interpol faces challenges, including an increasing caseload and limited funding. In 2023, its budget stood at €176 million, significantly lower than Europol’s €200 million or the FBI’s $11bn.
Despite these constraints, Interpol continues to make strides in combating global threats. Operation Serengeti underscores the organisation’s ability to disrupt criminal networks, even as the complexity of cybercrime continues to grow.
Future outlook
The arrests and dismantling of key criminal networks mark a significant step in tackling cybercrime in Africa. However, as technology evolves, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. Both Interpol and Afripol are intensifying efforts to combat AI-driven attacks and advanced cyber techniques.
The operation also highlights the urgent need for stronger international collaboration and investment in law enforcement capabilities to stay ahead of digital criminals. As Chelba aptly noted, ‘Cybercrime is not just a regional issue; it is a global one requiring collective action.’
By focusing on prevention, innovation, and partnerships, initiatives like Operation Serengeti offer a roadmap for addressing the rapidly growing threat of cybercrime worldwide.
