Interpol recently conducted a successful two-month operation in Africa, resulting in the arrest of 1,006 suspects involved in cybercrime activities. The operation, named Serengeti, was a collaborative effort between Interpol and Afripol, the African Union's police agency, and took place in 19 African countries from September 2 to October 31.
During Operation Serengeti, law enforcement agencies targeted criminals engaged in various cybercrimes such as ransomware, business email compromise, digital extortion, and online scams. The operation identified a total of 35,000 victims who suffered nearly $193 million in financial losses globally.
Authorities highlighted the increasing volume and sophistication of cybercrime attacks, expressing serious concern over the impact on individuals and businesses. Local police forces and private sector partners, including internet service providers, played a crucial role in the operation's success.
Several significant arrests were made during the operation, including a case in Kenya involving online credit card fraud that led to losses of $8.6 million. In Senegal, eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, were apprehended for their involvement in a $6 million online Ponzi scheme.
Afripol's Executive Director emphasized the organization's commitment to addressing emerging cyber threats, such as Artificial Intelligence-driven malware and advanced cyberattack techniques. The operation also targeted criminal networks involved in human trafficking, illegal virtual casinos, and cryptocurrency investment scams across various African countries.
Interpol, with its extensive network of 196 member countries, plays a crucial role in facilitating international cooperation among law enforcement agencies to combat various forms of crime, including cybercrime, terrorism, financial crimes, and organized crime. Despite facing challenges like the growing caseload of cybercrime and child exploitation cases, Interpol remains dedicated to its mission of promoting global security and justice.
While Interpol's budget is substantial at around 176 million euros, it falls short compared to other law enforcement agencies like Europol and the FBI. However, the organization continues to adapt to new challenges and evolving criminal tactics to safeguard communities worldwide.
