Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has arrested over 1,000 suspects across Africa in a two-month cybercrime crackdown that victimized tens of thousands and caused millions in financial losses. In collaborations with Afripol, the crackdown operations was carried out across 19 African Countries.
According to Africanews, the operation dubbed Operation Serengeti, was carried out in collaboration with Afripol, the African Union’s law enforcement agency, from September 2 to October 31. The operation targeted criminals involved in ransomware, business email compromise schemes, digital extortion, and online fraud.
Interpol arrested 1,006 suspects allegedly involved in cybercrime activity with estimated 35.224 victims worldwide and global losses totaling nearly $193 million (Rp3 trillion).
Alongside the arrests, Interpol have dismantled 134,089 malicious infrastructures and networks related to the cybercrime across Africa. Local law enforcement agencies and private sector partners, including internet service providers, played a key role in the operation.
While Interpol did not provide a full breakdown of cybercrime cases, the organization highlighted several major incidents successfully dismantled by law enforcement across Africa.
In Kenya, authorities uncovered an online credit card fraud scheme that caused losses amounting to $8.6 million (Rp137 billion). The attackers used fraudulent scripts, an automated programs designed to steal credit card data or process illegal transactions. Funds were funneled via the SWIFT money transfer system to accounts held by companies in the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and China. Dozens of individuals were arrested in connection with the scheme.
In Senegal, law enforcement dismantled a Ponzi scheme valued at $6 million (Rp96 billion), which left 1,811 victims in its wake. Ponzi schemes promise returns to earlier investors using funds from newer participants, often without any legitimate business activity. Eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, were arrested for orchestrating the operation.
In Nigeria, authorities arrested a man involved in a cryptocurrency investment scam, through which he reportedly obtained $300,000 (Rp4,8 billion).
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In Cameroon, law enforcement disrupted a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme that exploited victims across seven countries. The operation forced victims to recruit new members as a condition of release. Authorities estimate the group collected at least $150,000 in membership fees from those recruited.
Finally, in Angola, authorities broke up an illegal virtual casino syndicate operating in Luanda. The group lured hundreds of victims with promises of rewards for recruiting new members. Police arrested 150 individuals and seized 200 computers and 100 smartphones as evidence.
The crackdown is part of a broader effort by Interpol and its partners to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime across the continent.
(Raidi/Agung)
