Interpol announces arrests of 1,006 suspected cybercriminals in Africa, and also successfully dismantles around 130,000 malicious infrastructure and networks
On November 26, 2024,
Major cybercrime operation nets 1,006 suspects
https://www.interpol.int/News-and-Events/News/2024/Major-cybercrime-operation-nets-1-006-suspects
Interpol clamps down on cybercrime and arrests over 1,000 suspects in Africa | AP News
The operation, called 'Operation Serengeti,' targets cybercriminals behind ransomware, business email compromise, digital extortion and online fraud, which are identified as 'prominent threats' in the Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report 2024. 'From pyramid schemes to industrial-scale credit card fraud, the volume and sophistication of cybercrime is a matter of serious concern,' said ICPO Secretary-General Valdesy Urquiza.
Between September 2 and October 31, 2024, ICPO and AFRIPOL conducted crackdowns on cybercriminals in 19 African countries, including Algeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. As a result, 1,006 suspects were arrested and 134,089 malicious infrastructure and networks were dismantled.
It was also revealed that the operation resulted in more than 35,000 victims and economic losses of approximately $193 million worldwide.
Specific examples include the arrest of approximately 20 people in Kenya in connection with an online credit card fraud scheme that resulted in losses of $8.6 million (approximately 1.3 billion yen), the arrest of eight suspects in a pyramid scheme that claimed 1,811 victims in Senegal, and the arrest and search of their homes of those involved. Additionally, investigators in Angola have successfully dismantled an international crime ring that was operating an online casino in Luanda, arresting approximately 150 members of the ring.
Local law enforcement agencies and private sector partners, including internet service providers, played a key role in the operation, which ICPO said helped disrupt criminal activity by sharing information, providing analytical support and 24-hour remote assistance.
'Operation Serengeti has demonstrated what our collaboration can achieve - the arrest of this suspect alone will save countless future victims from personal and financial pain,' said Urquiza. 'But we know this arrest is just the tip of the iceberg, and we will continue to work to take down these criminal groups around the world.'
'Through Operation Serengeti, AFRIPOL has significantly strengthened its support to law enforcement agencies in African Union Member States. We have gained greater insight into cybercrime trends and made significant arrests. Going forward, we will also focus on emerging threats such as AI-enabled malware and advanced attack techniques,' said AFRIPOL Secretary-General Jalel Chelva.
Between 2021 and 2023, ICPO's crackdown on cybercrime in Africa resulted in only 25 arrests. 'Operation Serengeti has achieved dramatic results compared to previous years of operations in Africa. The success of this operation is due to the strengthening of the participating countries' capabilities to conduct their own intelligence activities and produce meaningful results,' reported Enrique Hernandez Gonzalez, ICPO's Assistant Director for Cybercrime Operations.
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