Interpol Arrests 1,209 in Africa-Wide Crypto Crime Crackdown

Interpol led a multinational law enforcement operation, named Serengeti 2.0, targeting high-impact cybercrimes across 18 African countries and the United Kingdom from June to August 2025. The crackdown resulted in 1,209 arrests, the dismantling of over 11,000 malicious infrastructures, and the recovery of nearly $100 million linked to cybercrime activities, including ransomware, scams, and fraudulent investments. In Angola, authorities shut down 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers operated by 60 Chinese nationals, confiscating mining equipment and power stations valued at over $37 million, which will be redirected to assist vulnerable regions facing energy shortages. Zambia saw the disruption of a massive crypto investment fraud scheme with 65,000 victims and estimated losses of $300 million, alongside a separate bust of a suspected human-trafficking network. The operation also uncovered an inheritance scam in Ivory Coast with international links, resulting in significant asset seizures and suspect detentions. This coordinated effort highlights growing concerns over the environmental and economic impact of illegal crypto mining in Africa and demonstrates the importance of international cooperation to combat evolving cyber threats.