Key Takeaways
- Investigators disrupted 10,909 malicious networks during the operation.
- Authorities recovered more than $105 million in illicit funds.
- A Nigerian investigation traced over $2.4 million in suspected criminal proceeds.
Crypto Laundering Emerges in Africa Cybercrime Sweep
Law enforcement agencies from 20 African countries and the United States arrested 1,462 suspects during Operation Serengeti III, Interpol announced Oct. 22. The international cybercrime crackdown ran from June 29 through Aug. 31. It targeted online fraud, digital extortion, ransomware, and business email compromise.
A Nigerian investigation traced more than $2.4 million in suspected criminal proceeds from an international investment fraud scheme promoted through messaging applications. One suspect was arrested. Investigators found that much of the money had been laundered through cryptocurrency transactions.
Financial inquiries connected the criminal activity to losses exceeding $385 million, with 65,929 victims recorded across the cases. Recoveries totaled more than $105 million, while investigators disrupted 10,909 malicious networks. Ransomware locks data to demand payment, while business email compromise uses deceptive business communications to facilitate fraud.
Interpol Director of Cybercrime Neal Jetton commented:
“Cybercrime networks operate without regard for borders, exploiting technology to target victims on an unprecedented scale.”
Cybersecurity company Group-IB supported investigators with intelligence on malicious online infrastructure and suspected fraudsters. Its contributions included information on tools used to steal sensitive information, networks of compromised devices, and social media accounts associated with suspected criminal activity.
Investment Scams Target Victims Across Borders
Among the cases detailed in the announcement, Ugandan authorities dismantled two transnational fraud rings and arrested 365 foreign nationals. The schemes targeted victims across Asia, using scripted calls, fake trading platforms, and fraudulent websites to persuade pensioners to invest in nonexistent opportunities.
Another case in Nigeria involved a suspect linked to phishing and business email compromise that harvested software credentials and amassed approximately 2.1 million email addresses. Investigators also recovered a luxury vehicle suspected to have been purchased with criminal proceeds.
Separate actions targeted malicious mobile loan applications in Tanzania and vehicle import fraud in Gabon, while authorities arrested 30 suspects in the Republic of Congo. Several investigations remain active as officials trace proceeds, identify further suspects, and examine seized digital evidence.
Angola Mining Seizures Follow Earlier Enforcement
Angolan investigators arrested nine suspects and seized more than 2,000 mining devices at two illegal cryptocurrency mining centers. They also confiscated six illegal power transformation stations, electrical facilities that change voltage for power distribution. The electrical infrastructure alone was valued at more than $1 million.
Angola’s mining restrictions predate the latest crackdown. The country’s National Assembly approved cryptocurrency mining measures in December 2023, citing energy security, environmental concerns, and monetary sovereignty, the country’s authority over its currency and monetary policy. The prohibition took effect in 2024.
Following the Angolan ban, the Chinese Embassy in Angola warned against mining and advised Chinese citizens and institutions operating there to comply with local restrictions. The embassy also cautioned against virtual currency schemes promising rapid wealth or guaranteed returns.
During the separate Operation Serengeti 2.0 in 2025, authorities dismantled 25 mining centers in Angola. They confiscated 45 illicit power stations, along with mining and information technology equipment valued at more than $37 million.
