ScamsNOW!
The SCARS Institute Magazine about Scam Victims-Survivors, Scams, Fraud & Cybercrime
INTERPOL-Coordinated Operation Leads to 1,209 Arrests in Africa
INTERPOL Operation Serengeti 2.0 – African Authorities Dismantle Massive Cybercrime and Fraud Networks, Recover Millions
Primary Category: Criminal Justice // Crimes and Criminals
Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• INTERPOL
About This Article
Operation Serengeti 2.0, an INTERPOL-led initiative conducted from June to August 2025, resulted in the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals across 18 African nations and the UK, dismantling 11,432 malicious infrastructures and recovering over USD 97.4 million. The crackdown targeted ransomware, online scams, business email compromise, cryptocurrency fraud, and inheritance scams, affecting nearly 88,000 victims worldwide. Major highlights include shutting down 25 illegal crypto-mining centers in Angola, disrupting a USD 300 million investment fraud scheme in Zambia, and dismantling a transnational inheritance scam in Côte d'Ivoire. The operation showcased the growing effectiveness of cross-border intelligence sharing, private-sector collaboration, and hands-on investigator training. Through its partnership with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), authorities also focused on proactive strategies to identify and mitigate cyber threats before they occur.
African Authorities Dismantle Massive Cybercrime and Fraud Networks, Recover Millions
In a sweeping INTERPOL-coordinated operation, authorities across Africa have arrested 1,209 cybercriminals targeting nearly 88,000 victims.
The crackdown recovered USD 97.4 million and dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, underscoring the global reach of cybercrime and the urgent need for cross-border cooperation.
Operation Serengeti 2.0 (June to August 2025) brought together investigators from 18 African countries and the United Kingdom to tackle high-harm and high-impact cybercrimes, including ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise (BEC). These were all identified as prominent threats in the recent INTERPOL Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report.
The operation was strengthened by private sector collaboration, with partners providing intelligence, guidance, and training to help investigators act on intelligence and identify offenders effectively.
This intelligence was shared with participating countries ahead of the operation, providing critical information on specific threats as well as suspicious IP addresses, domains and C2 servers.
Operational highlights: From crypto mining to inheritance scams
Authorities in Angola dismantled 25 cryptocurrency mining centres, where 60 Chinese nationals were illegally validating blockchain transactions to generate cryptocurrency. The crackdown identified 45 illicit power stations, which were confiscated, along with mining and IT equipment worth more than USD 37 million, now earmarked by the government to support power distribution in vulnerable areas.
Zambian authorities dismantled a large-scale online investment fraud scheme, identifying 65,000 victims who lost an estimated USD 300 million. The scammers lured victims into investing in cryptocurrency through extensive advertising campaigns promising high-yield returns. Victims were then instructed to download multiple apps to participate. Authorities arrested 15 individuals and seized key evidence, including domains, mobile numbers, and bank accounts. Investigations are ongoing with efforts focused on tracking down overseas collaborators.
Also in Zambia, authorities identified a scam centre and, in joint operations with the Immigration Department in Lusaka, disrupted a suspected human trafficking network. They confiscated 372 forged passports from seven countries.
Despite being one of the oldest-running internet frauds, inheritance scams continue to generate significant funds for criminal organizations. Officers in Côte d'Ivoire dismantled a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany, arresting the primary suspect and seizing assets including electronics, jewellery, cash, vehicles and documents. With victims tricked into paying fees to claim fake inheritances, the scam caused an estimated USD 1.6 million in losses.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, said:
"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 keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims."
Prior to the operation, investigators participated in a series of hands-on workshops covering open-source intelligence tools and techniques, cryptocurrency investigations and ransomware analysis. This focused training strengthened their skills and expertise, directly contributing to the effectiveness of the investigations and operational successes.
The operation also focused on prevention through a partnership with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), a consortium of law enforcement agencies from 36 countries dedicated to identifying and mitigating potential cybercriminal activity before it occurs. The InterCOP project is led by the Netherlands and aims to promote a proactive approach to tackling cybercrime.
Operation Serengeti 2.0 was held under the umbrella of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime, funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
Operational partners:
Cybercrime Atlas, Fortinet, Group-IB, Kaspersky, The Shadowserver Foundation, Team Cymru, Trend Micro, TRM Labs and Uppsala Security.
Participating countries:
Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte D'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Images
- In Zambia, authorities seized 372 forged passports.
- 45 illicit power stations were confiscated in Angola.
- 11,432 malicious infrastructures were dismantled during Operation Serengeti 2025.
- Authorities in Angola busted 25 cryptocurrency mining centres.
- 1,209 suspects were arrested during Operation Serengeti 2025.
Please Rate This Article
Please Leave Us Your Comment
Also, tell us of any topics we might have missed.
Leave a Reply
Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment above!
ARTICLE RATING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTERPOL Operation Serengeti 2.0 – African Authorities Dismantle Massive Cybercrime and Fraud Networks, Recover Millions
- African Authorities Dismantle Massive Cybercrime and Fraud Networks, Recover Millions
- Operational highlights: From crypto mining to inheritance scams
- SCARS Institute™ ScamsNOW Magazine
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]
CATEGORIES
MOST POPULAR COMMENTED ARTICLES
POPULAR ARTICLES
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
ARTICLE META
WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT LATEST SITE COMMENTS
See Comments for this Article at the Bottom of the Page
- on INTERPOL-Coordinated Operation Leads to 1,209 Arrests in Africa – 2025: “Good! It is good to see cooperation between law enforcement entities and that fraud dismantling is targeted.” Aug 25, 06:49
- on Why Trauma Denial After a Scam Hurts You and How to Face It Safely – 2025: “Valuable information and tips for every victim who finds it so difficult to accept the effects of trauma.” Aug 21, 12:17
- on Disinformation, Spam, and Scams are Making People More Susceptible to Scams – 2024: “Reading this article brought up the exact “symptoms” I remember having after my scams. I know that there are wonderful…” Aug 19, 13:14
- on Scam Victim Psychological Trauma And Weight Gain – 2024: “I have noticed that since my crime it has been very difficult to stay on program with my eating and…” Aug 14, 11:01
- on Scam Victim Trauma Denial and Why it is So Difficult to Overcome – 2025: “I liked the tone of this article, it offers a conversation that leads a person through next steps. However, for…” Aug 14, 08:19
- on The Relationship Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) And Psychological Trauma – A Review – 2024: “This article is very informative. However, when I alerted my PCP to the existence of my crime his words to…” Aug 12, 13:25
- on Fibromyalgia & Psychological Trauma Link – Medical Health Alert – 2023: “This is quite a connection! Thank you for this article!” Aug 12, 13:18
- on Relearning Critical Thinking And To Think Skeptically – For Scam Victims After A Relationship Scam – 2024: “Relearning critical thinking is important on the journey toward healing. The trauma of our crime has changed a lot for…” Aug 12, 12:46
- on Disinformation, Spam, and Scams are Making People More Susceptible to Scams – 2024: “Asking questions are in fct nice thing if yyou are not understanding something entirely, however this article presents fastidious understanding…” Aug 12, 06:56
- on Labyrinth Walking and Spiral Walking Meditation for Scam Victims – 2024: “Great article! I wish I had known about labyrinth or spiral walking over a year ago prior to when my…” Aug 11, 11:27
- on Anxiety And Mindfulness – A Tool For Scam Victims – 2024 – [VIDEOS]: “The article is well written and points survivors towards being in the moment and leaving the future and the past…” Aug 11, 11:12
- on Mindfulness Breathing For Scam Victims Recovery 2024: “Mindfulness Breathing is a great tool for me especially when I find my thoughts chasing one another like squirrels in…” Aug 11, 10:58
- on Scam Victims Compliance With Scammer Authority Figures – 2024: “Interesting read, further explains the tactics scammers will use against you.” Aug 10, 16:34
- on Scam Victims In The RAIN – A Mindfulness Approach For Recovery – 2024 [UPDATED 2025]: “This technique will be helpful for me. So often I push my feelings down or “push” them behind me and…” Aug 7, 15:31
- on The Tao – The Philosophy of the Path to Recovery: “Thank you for a glimpse into this method of healing and mindfulness. At the present I work with my trauma…” Aug 7, 15:18
- on The Value of Slowness: “What we really need to face in this online digital world is that so much of it is false. And…” Aug 7, 15:08
- on Overconfidence And Scam Victims Susceptibility To Scams – 2024 [UPDATED]: “This website really has all the information and facts I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.” Aug 3, 10:23
- on A Scam Victim in Extreme Distress – Stopping the Pain – 2024: “this post really clarified a lot of things for me, and heled me to understand , there is a lot…” Aug 1, 07:31
- on Glimmers of Light – the Positive Side of Experience for Scam Victims – 2025: “Very useful /helpful article for victims suffering from trauma not only of all types” Jul 31, 02:47
- on Relationship Scam Victims – Impact On Employment And Jobs – Saving Employment After A Scam: “Trauma, fear of shame, grief can alter how we handle day to day situations such as work or caring for…” Jul 31, 02:08
Important Information for New Scam Victims
Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors, please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:
If You Have Been Victimized By A Scam Or Cybercrime
♦ If you are a victim of scams, go to www.ScamVictimsSupport.org for real knowledge and help
♦ Enroll in SCARS Scam Survivor's School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
♦ To report criminals, visit https://reporting.AgainstScams.org – we will NEVER give your data to money recovery companies like some do!
♦ Follow us and find our podcasts, webinars, and helpful videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RomancescamsNowcom
♦ Learn about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
♦ Dig deeper into the reality of scams, fraud, and cybercrime at www.ScamsNOW.com and www.RomanceScamsNOW.com
♦ Scam Survivor's Stories: www.ScamSurvivorStories.org
♦ For Scam Victim Advocates visit www.ScamVictimsAdvocates.org
♦ See more scammer photos on www.ScammerPhotos.com
You can also find the SCARS Institute on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and TruthSocial
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual's experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
More ScamsNOW.com Articles
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors' experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Good! It is good to see cooperation between law enforcement entities and that fraud dismantling is targeted.