Operation Serengeti: A Coordinated Effort Across Africa
Operation Serengeti was an extensive initiative carried out from September 2 to October 31, 2024, targeting cybercrime across 19 African countries. This operation was a robust response to growing cyber threats in the region, underscoring the effectiveness of multinational collaboration in combating global crime issues.
Widespread Reach and Arrests
The operation spanned across a diverse set of countries, from Algeria and Angola to Zambia and Zimbabwe, encompassing a significant portion of the African continent. This geographical reach was essential for tackling the transnational nature of cybercrime networks. During the operation, an impressive 1,006 suspects were apprehended, dealing a substantial blow to cybercriminal activities in these regions.
The criminals targeted in Operation Serengeti were involved in a range of cyber offenses, including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion, and online scams. By addressing these varied cyber threats, the operation highlighted the importance of adaptive strategies in law enforcement to cover multifaceted cybersecurity challenges.
Financial Impact and Dismantling of Networks
Interpol's efforts also uncovered an alarming number of over 35,000 victims worldwide, with reported financial losses amounting to nearly $193 million. These figures reflect the severe economic impact of cybercrime on individuals and businesses alike. Furthermore, authorities were able to dismantle 134,089 malicious infrastructures and networks, considerably disrupting criminal operations.
Private sector partners such as Internet Service Providers and cybersecurity companies like Group-IB and Kaspersky played a pivotal role in the success of this operation. Their contributions, ranging from intelligence sharing to supporting analysis and operational activities, were instrumental in achieving these milestones.
Case Studies and Future Focus
In a significant breakthrough, the operation cracked notable cases, such as an online credit card fraud in Kenya linked to $8.6 million in losses, and a $6 million online Ponzi scheme in Senegal. Other cases, including a virtual casino in Angola and a multi-level marketing scam in Cameroon, underscore the diverse nature of the targeted cybercrimes.
The funding for Operation Serengeti was generously provided by global entities like the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the Council of Europe. Moving forward, AFRIPOL and INTERPOL will continue to focus on emerging threats such as AI-driven malware and sophisticated cyberattack techniques. This operation also reiterated the power of international cooperation, showcasing how cohesive efforts between INTERPOL, AFRIPOL, and local law enforcement agencies can lead to significant achievements in the fight against cybercrime.