It was not one raid, or even ten. Over the course of two months this year, police in 18 countries carried out coordinated crackdowns, resulting in more than 1,200 arrests and the seizure of millions of dollars. The suspects, according to INTERPOL and AFRIPOL, were part of sprawling cybercrime networks that reached across Africa and into Europe.
The joint mission, called Operation Serengeti 2.0, has been described as one of the largest cybercrime sweeps ever attempted on the continent.
INTERPOL reports that 1,209 people were taken into custody and nearly USD 97.4 million in stolen funds were recovered. Victims numbered in the tens of thousands.
Angola: Crypto Mines Shut Down
In Angola, police found something unusual. Instead of scammers with laptops, they uncovered 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining sites, all hooked up to stolen power.
Officers shut down 45 illicit power stations and arrested 60 Chinese nationals. The seized generators, valued at more than USD 37 million, will be reconnected to local communities short of electricity.
Zambia: Thousands Trapped in Online Scam
Zambia revealed a more familiar fraud—an online investment scam promising quick returns. More than 65,000 people fell for it, losing nearly USD 300 million before the network was dismantled.
Fifteen suspects were detained, and investigators seized accounts, mobile numbers, and 372 fake passports used to support the scheme.
Côte d’Ivoire: Fake Inheritances Exposed
Côte d’Ivoire police traced another racket back to Germany. This one posed as an inheritance deal: victims were told they had fortunes waiting, if they paid “fees” first.
Losses hit USD 1.6 million before the organiser was caught in Abidjan. Cash, jewellery, cars, and documents were also seized.
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Private Sector Joins the Fight
The operation was not only about raids. Private tech companies worked alongside police, providing data and tracking tools.
The World Economic Forum, which followed the work closely, summed it up: “A recent joint effort by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL across 18 countries saw 1,200 arrests and $97 million recovered.”
Building Cooperation Step by Step
INTERPOL’s Secretary-General, Valdecy Urquiza, said the results were built step by step. “Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing, and developing investigative skills across member countries.
With more contributions and shared expertise, the results continue to grow in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims.”
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Borderless Crime, Borderless Response
Cybercrime has long been called “borderless.” In this case, the phrase is not a cliché. Fraudsters moved money and data across jurisdictions as if boundaries didn’t exist.
The World Economic Forum put it simply: “Cybercrime is borderless. This global bust shows how law enforcement can be too.”
Lessons for Kenya and East Africa
For Kenya, and much of East Africa, the warning is close to home. With mobile banking and digital wallets now central to daily life, scams have grown sharper, faster, and harder to spot.
What Serengeti 2.0 demonstrates is that police can fight back—if they share intelligence and act in concert.
The Fight Is Not Over
No one is under the illusion that the problem is over. Criminals will adapt, turning to artificial intelligence or deepfake tools to stay ahead.
But for now, more than a thousand suspects are in custody, millions have been clawed back, and victims who thought they had lost everything have a reason to believe justice can reach into the online world as well.
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