Africa Cybercrime Crackdown Leads to 1,462 Arrests and $105 Million Recovery

Police forces across Africa have arrested 1,462 suspects and recovered more than $105 million in illegal funds during a major operation against cybercrime. The international crackdown also disrupted more than 10,900 harmful online networks and identified nearly 66,000 victims.

The operation, named Operation Serengeti III, was coordinated by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). It ran from June 29 to August 31, 2026, with law enforcement agencies from 21 countries working together to target online fraud, ransomware, investment scams and other digital crimes.

Investigation Reveals Millions in Financial Losses

According to INTERPOL, investigators identified 65,929 people targeted by cybercriminal groups. The total financial losses linked to these activities exceeded $385 million.

The operation focused on several types of online crime, including fake investment offers, email scams, ransomware attacks and digital extortion. Investigators received information about suspicious websites, internet addresses and systems used by criminals to carry out attacks.

Authorities also worked with cybersecurity companies to trace criminal networks and identify suspects. The effort shows how cooperation between police forces and private companies can help tackle crimes that cross national borders.

Uganda and Angola See Major Action

Uganda was one of the key locations in the investigation. Authorities broke up two international fraud groups and arrested 365 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in online investment and pension scams.

Investigators found that the groups used fake trading platforms, websites and prepared scripts to convince people in Asian countries to invest money in opportunities that did not exist.

In Angola, police shut down two illegal cryptocurrency mining centres. They arrested nine suspects and seized more than 2,000 mining devices, along with six power stations linked to the activity. The seized electrical equipment alone was valued at more than $1 million.

Nigeria and Other Countries Target Online Fraud

In Nigeria, authorities arrested a suspect linked to a phishing operation and business email scams. Investigators found that the operation had collected around 2.1 million email addresses and stolen login details.

Authorities traced more than $2.4 million in suspected criminal funds, much of which had moved through cryptocurrency transactions.

Other actions included shutting down a harmful mobile loan application scheme in Tanzania, disrupting a vehicle import scam operating through social media in Gabon, and arresting 30 suspects linked to cybercrime in the Republic of Congo.

Investigations Continue

INTERPOL said several cases remain open. Authorities are continuing to examine digital evidence, trace money and search for other people who may be involved.

The operation highlights the growing challenge of online crime as fraudsters use digital tools to target victims across countries. Fake investment platforms and misleading online offers can cause serious financial losses, especially when victims believe they are dealing with legitimate businesses.

INTERPOL's latest crackdown is a major step in disrupting these networks. However, continued cooperation between countries, stronger online security and greater public awareness will remain important in preventing future cybercrime.