Interpol targets online fraud networks in Africa, with 1,462 arrested and more than $105 million recovered

A major international operation against cybercrime in Africa has resulted in 1,462 arrests and the recovery of more than $105 million.

Operation “Serengeti III”, conducted from June 29 to August 31, 2026, involved police from 21 countries and targeted online fraud, cyberattacks and digital extortion.

According to foreign media reports, 10,909 malicious networks and infrastructure systems were dismantled during the operation, while 65,929 victims were identified.

Financial losses linked to the criminal activities are estimated at more than $385 million. In Uganda, police dismantled two international fraud networks and arrested 365 foreign nationals suspected of involvement in fake investment schemes.

In Angola, two illegal cryptocurrency mining centers were discovered, and more than 2,000 devices were seized.

In Nigeria, investigations uncovered an email fraud scheme involving about 2.1 million email addresses, as well as another network suspected of investment fraud through which more than $2.4 million of suspected illicit origin is believed to have been moved.

Other cases were uncovered in Tanzania and Gabon, where people were defrauded through loan apps and fake offers to import cars. Authorities also warn that criminal groups are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create deceptive content and carry out more sophisticated attacks.

Although the coordinated operation has ended, investigations continue in several countries to identify others involved and trace money obtained from illegal activities.