Law enforcement agencies from 21 countries have arrested 1,462 suspects and recovered more than $105 million in a massive, Interpol-coordinated crackdown on cybercrime across Africa. Known as Operation Serengeti III, the initiative ran from June 29 to August 31, 2026, and successfully disrupted 10,909 malicious networks involved in ransomware, online scams, digital extortion, and business email compromise.
According to Interpol, the operation identified 65,929 victims, with financial investigations linking these criminal networks to total losses exceeding $385 million. For families and individuals across the region, these figures represent more than just statistics; they reflect the real-world impact of digital fraud on personal savings and security. The recovery of $105 million marks a significant step in holding these networks accountable, though the gap between total losses and recovered funds highlights the ongoing difficulty of tracing illicit assets once they cross borders.
Targeting Illegal Infrastructure in Angola
In Angola, the operation focused on the intersection of energy security and digital assets. Investigators dismantled two illegal cryptocurrency mining centers, leading to the arrest of nine people. Authorities seized more than 2,000 mining devices and six illegal power transformation stations, with the electrical equipment alone valued at over $1 million.
These actions follow a broader regulatory shift in the country. In February 2024, Angola’s National Assembly approved a ban on cryptocurrency mining, citing the risk of overloading the national electricity distribution system. This prohibition was codified in Law No. 3/24 of April 10, 2024, which explicitly forbids connecting mining equipment to the national grid. By shutting down these unauthorized sites, authorities are working to protect the stability of the power supply for local communities that rely on consistent energy for their daily needs.
Cross-Border Fraud and Laundering
The reach of these criminal networks often extends far beyond the borders where they operate. In Nigeria, investigators arrested a suspect linked to an international investment fraud scheme promoted through various messaging applications. Authorities traced more than $2.4 million in criminal proceeds, much of which was laundered through cryptocurrency transactions.
The operation also uncovered the sophisticated methods used to target victims in Asia. In Uganda, authorities dismantled two transnational fraud rings and arrested 365 foreign nationals. These groups operated rotating call centers that utilized scripts, fake trading platforms, and fraudulent websites to target pensioners. For these victims, the loss of retirement savings is a devastating outcome, and the dismantling of these call centers provides a measure of protection for others who might have been targeted next.
A Global Effort to Secure Digital Networks
Operation Serengeti III involved 20 African nations and the United States. To prepare for the sweep, Interpol provided intelligence on suspicious domains, Internet Protocol addresses, and command-and-control infrastructure, which are the servers criminals use to direct infected devices remotely. This intelligence-led approach allowed agencies to strike at the heart of the networks before they could cause further harm.
Several private-sector partners supported the operation, including Group-IB, Kaspersky, the blockchain analytics firm Uppsala Security, and Meta. These collaborations are essential for tracking the flow of illicit funds through the digital ecosystem. According to Neal Jetton, Interpol’s director of cybercrime, these networks operate without regard for borders and exploit technology to target victims on an unprecedented scale.
This effort builds upon the foundation laid by Operation Catalyst in 2025, which focused on terrorist financing and cybercrime. While investigations into the networks identified during Serengeti III remain active, the results demonstrate the growing capacity of international law enforcement to track digital assets. For those concerned about the safety of their investments and the integrity of digital infrastructure, these operations provide a clearer picture of how authorities are working to mitigate risks in an increasingly connected world.
Sources
- Interpol Recovers $105M in African Cybercrime Sweep That Shut Illegal Crypto Mines
- Interpol Recovers $105M in African Cybercrime Sweep That Shut Illegal Crypto Mines – Decrypt
- INTERPOL Serengeti III: 1,462 Arrested, $105M Recovered in Africa Crypto Crime Crackdown
Photo: Glenn Carstens-Peters / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
