Interpol-Led Cybercrime Operation Recovers R1.8 Billion and Arrests More Than 1,400 Suspects Across Africa

Major international crackdown disrupts thousands of malicious networks as authorities intensify efforts against cybercriminals operating across borders.

An international cybercrime crackdown coordinated by Interpol has resulted in the arrest of 1,462 suspects, the dismantling of thousands of criminal networks, and the recovery of more than R1.8 billion in illicit funds.

The operation, known as Operation Serengeti III, took place between 29 June and 31 August 2026 and involved law enforcement agencies from 21 countries working together to tackle a wide range of cyber-enabled crimes.

According to Interpol, investigations linked the criminal activities targeted during the operation to losses exceeding $385 million globally.

Authorities also identified nearly 66,000 victims affected by cybercrime schemes, highlighting the growing scale and sophistication of online criminal networks.

Thousands of Malicious Networks Shut Down

During the operation, law enforcement agencies disrupted 10,909 malicious networks associated with cybercrime activities including ransomware attacks, business email compromise scams, online fraud, digital extortion, phishing operations and investment scams.

Interpol said intelligence gathered before the operation enabled investigators across Africa and the United States to identify suspicious internet domains, IP addresses and command-and-control infrastructure used by cybercriminal organisations.

The operation received support from several private-sector cybersecurity partners, who provided technical expertise, intelligence and digital analysis to assist law enforcement agencies.

Officials said the collaborative approach helped authorities identify suspects, trace illicit financial flows and dismantle criminal infrastructure operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Interpol Warns of Growing Cyber Threats

Interpol noted that cybercrime continues to evolve rapidly across Africa, with technological advancements and artificial intelligence increasingly being exploited by criminal organisations.

The organisation’s African Cyber Threat Assessment Report 2026 highlighted growing cyber-enabled financial crime and the increasing complexity of online scams targeting individuals and businesses.

Interpol Director of Cybercrime Neal Jetton said international cooperation remains one of the most effective tools available to combat cybercriminal networks that operate without regard for national borders.

He warned that cybercriminals are continuously adapting their methods and using technology to target victims on a global scale.

Jetton said the success of Operation Serengeti III demonstrated how cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies and private-sector partners can significantly disrupt criminal activities and recover stolen assets.

Uganda Fraud Syndicates Dismantled

One of the most significant breakthroughs occurred in Uganda, where authorities dismantled two transnational fraud syndicates and arrested 365 foreign nationals.

Investigators discovered sophisticated online investment and pension fraud schemes targeting victims across Asia.

According to Interpol, the criminal groups operated rotating call centres that used scripted communications, fraudulent websites and fake trading platforms to convince victims to invest in non-existent opportunities.

The operation exposed a highly organised network designed to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking investment returns.

Cryptocurrency Mining Operations Shut Down

In Angola, authorities dismantled two illegal cryptocurrency mining centres and arrested nine suspects.

Authorities seized more than 2,000 cryptocurrency mining devices as well as six illegal electricity transformation stations that were allegedly powering the operations.

Interpol estimated the value of the seized electrical infrastructure alone at more than $1 million.

The case highlights growing concerns about illegal cryptocurrency operations and their impact on electricity infrastructure and energy resources.

Nigerian Cybercrime Investigations Yield Results

In Nigeria, investigators arrested a suspect linked to a large-scale phishing and business email compromise operation.

Authorities alleged that the network harvested software credentials and accumulated approximately 2.1 million email addresses through criminal activities.

Investigators also recovered a luxury vehicle believed to have been purchased using proceeds from cybercrime.

A separate investigation led to the arrest of another suspect connected to an international investment fraud scheme promoted through messaging applications.

Financial investigators traced more than $2.4 million in suspected criminal proceeds, much of which had reportedly been laundered through cryptocurrency channels.

More Arrests Across the Continent

Elsewhere, authorities dismantled a fraudulent mobile loan application scheme in Tanzania and disrupted a social media-based vehicle import scam network operating in Gabon.

In the Republic of Congo, police arrested 30 suspects linked to cybercrime activities as part of the broader operation.

Interpol said investigations remain ongoing, with authorities continuing to analyse digital evidence, identify additional suspects and trace criminal assets connected to the networks uncovered during the operation.

International Cooperation Key to Success

Operation Serengeti III was supported by several international cybersecurity and technology partners, including Group-IB, Kaspersky, Fortinet, Meta, Team Cymru, Uppsala Security, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Cybercrime Atlas.

The initiative was also co-funded through the Global Action on Cybercrime Enhanced (GLACY-e) programme, a joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe.

Interpol believes the operation sends a strong message that cybercriminals can no longer rely on borders to shield them from law enforcement.

As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and scale, international collaboration is expected to remain a critical component in protecting individuals, businesses and governments from digital crime.