INTERPOL has led a major operation across Africa, targeting cybercriminals in 19 countries.
The operation, called Serengeti, ran from September 2 to October 31, 2024.
During the mission, authorities targeted ransomware, business email compromise, extortion, and online fraud schemes. This operation led to the arrest of 1,006 suspects from 19 African participating nations. A total of 134,089 malicious networks and cyber infrastructures were successfully dismantled.
Authorities revealed nearly $193 million in global losses due to cybercriminal activities. Over 35,000 victims suffered, including many targeted by Ponzi schemes and investment scams. A major $6 million online Ponzi scheme in Senegal resulted in the arrest of 8 people.
Police seized 900 SIM cards, $11,000 in cash, and stolen ID cards from these criminals. A virtual casino scam targeting Brazilian and Nigerian gamblers was also dismantled in Luanda. Cybercriminals promised profits for bringing in new members, defrauding them through false gaming.
Private company Group-IB identified 10,000 DDoS attacks and 3,000 phishing domains. Russian firm Kaspersky provided intelligence on ransomware, malware, and criminal infrastructure. Both organizations shared data on cybercriminal activities active on African servers and forums.
Authorities in Africa focused on online fraud, phishing, Ponzi scams, and credit card fraud. Law enforcement successfully connected intelligence, tracking cybercriminal activities on a global scale. Identifying threat actors and compromised infrastructure helped secure operations in Africa.
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa participated, as did Tunisia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Zambia, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Nineteen countries contributed resources to combat rising cyber threats across the continent.
This massive operation serves as a template for future global collaborations in cybersecurity. International coordination is vital to tackling increasing and complex cybercrime operations. Identifying and dismantling malicious networks ensures safer online activities for global users. INTERPOL led this multi-national effort to address both local and international online threats.
Cybercrime continues evolving, requiring proactive responses from governments and businesses globally. With ongoing cooperation, authorities aim for better results in disrupting these criminal networks. This operation highlights the importance of sharing intelligence for effective cybersecurity action.
The Serengeti operation sends a strong message that no cybercrime activity goes unnoticed. Efforts like this remind businesses and individuals to strengthen cybersecurity practices daily. The coordinated takedown proves that law enforcement partnerships are key to protecting digital platforms.
Source: thehackernews