- Mass Arrests – 1,209 suspects detained in cybercrime crackdown.
- Global Victims – Nearly 88,000 people targeted in scams.
- Financial Recovery – $97.4 million seized from fraudulent operations.
- Cybercrime Tools Destroyed – 11,432 scam websites, servers, and apps shut down.
- International Cooperation – Operation spanned 18 African nations and the UK.
Interpol has announced the results of Operation Serengeti 2.0, a massive coordinated cybercrime crackdown carried out between June and August 2025 across 18 African countries and the United Kingdom. The operation exposed the scale of online fraud targeting vulnerable communities and businesses, resulting in significant arrests, asset recovery, and disruption of criminal infrastructure.
Arrests and Victims
Authorities reported 1,209 arrests linked to cyber scams that collectively targeted nearly 88,000 victims worldwide. The scams ranged from online investment fraud to romance schemes, business email compromise, and phishing operations.
Officials described the arrests as a major blow to organized cybercrime networks operating across Africa and beyond.
Millions Recovered
Interpol confirmed that $97.4 million was recovered from fraudulent schemes during the operation. These funds had been stolen through elaborate networks of fake financial apps, fraudulent investment platforms, and business scams designed to exploit weak digital security systems.
The recovery of such a significant sum was hailed as one of the most successful financial clawbacks in Interpol’s cybercrime history.
Malicious Infrastructure Dismantled
A critical part of the operation was the dismantling of 11,432 malicious infrastructures, including fake websites, scam servers, and fraudulent mobile applications. By shutting down these digital tools, authorities were able to prevent new victims from being targeted and disrupt the operational capacity of cybercriminals.
A Coordinated Response
Interpol praised the collaboration between African law enforcement agencies and international partners, noting that the scale of the operation demonstrates both the global reach of cybercrime and the importance of cross-border cooperation.
Officials added that more joint operations will follow, with a particular focus on strengthening digital literacy, cybersecurity infrastructure, and legal frameworks across African nations.
