Interpol dismantles $100M african crypto scam network

Interpol has recovered nearly $100 million and arrested more than 1,200 suspects in a continent-wide crackdown on cybercrime, marking one of the agency’s most coordinated campaigns in recent years. The operation, known as Serengeti 2.0, was carried out over three months with participation from 18 African nations and the United Kingdom.

The effort targeted ransomware groups, illegal mining operations, and crypto scam networks that had exploited tens of thousands of victims across borders. Officials said the arrests highlight both the scale of the problem and the need for sustained collaboration.

“Cybercrime today does not stop at national borders,” said Jürgen Stock, Secretary General of Interpol, in a statement. “Our joint action against crypto scam networks shows that only international cooperation can disrupt these increasingly sophisticated schemes.”

Major seizures in Angola, Ghana, and Zambia

One of the most significant actions during the operation occurred in Angola, where police shut down 25 unauthorized crypto mining sites operated by foreign nationals. Authorities seized approximately $37 million worth of equipment and electricity infrastructure used to power the operations.

Elsewhere, investigators in Ghana and the Seychelles dismantled laundering pipelines connected to ransomware groups Bl00dy and RansomHub. In Zambia, authorities uncovered one of the largest cases linked to crypto scam networks, shutting down a fraudulent investment scheme that defrauded more than 65,000 people, with estimated losses topping $300 million.

“These scams leave ordinary citizens devastated, wiping out savings and trust in digital finance,” said Martha Okello, Head of Economic Crimes at the African Union, during a press briefing. “The takedown of large crypto scam networks is a message that governments are determined to protect consumers.”

Lessons from last year’s campaign

The latest crackdown builds on the initial Serengeti operation in 2024, which led to 1,006 arrests across 19 countries and exposed victim losses of nearly $200 million. That campaign focused heavily on dismantling malicious infrastructure, shutting down more than 134,000 scam websites, phishing domains, and command-and-control servers.

By contrast, Serengeti 2.0 identified just over 11,000 such infrastructures. Officials say the smaller figure does not reflect weaker enforcement but rather a strategic shift toward targeting higher-level operators and entire crypto scam networks rather than individual websites.

“This year’s campaign is not about numbers but about impact,” said Stephen Kavanagh, Interpol’s Executive Director of Police Services. “By striking at the core of crypto scam networks, we are weakening the organizations that drive mass victimization.”

Implications for policymakers and investors

The crackdown is likely to resonate beyond Africa, particularly among policymakers debating how best to regulate digital assets. The disruption of crypto scam networks demonstrates both the opportunities and the risks posed by the growth of cryptocurrency markets.

While legal frameworks in regions such as Japan and the European Union have emphasized regulated stablecoins and licensed exchanges, other jurisdictions still grapple with enforcement gaps. Experts argue that the persistence of crypto scam networks shows why global standards and cross-border intelligence sharing are becoming essential.

For crypto investors, the operation serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with unregulated schemes promising high returns. Authorities advise investors to remain cautious and verify the legitimacy of platforms before committing funds.

“Interpol’s actions underline that unchecked crypto scam networks can destabilize markets and devastate lives,” said Dr. Samuel Mensah, a cybersecurity researcher at the University of Ghana. “Investors need to understand that regulation and transparency are not obstacles—they are protections.”

A continuing global challenge

Despite the scale of Serengeti 2.0, officials caution that the fight is far from over. Cybercrime groups are adaptable, often shifting operations across borders or rebranding under new identities. Interpol confirmed that follow-up operations are already being planned, with greater emphasis on intelligence sharing and capacity building for local police forces.

The operation’s outcomes—more than $100 million recovered, over 1,200 arrests, and several major crypto scam networks dismantled—mark a step forward. Still, experts warn that the rapid growth of digital assets means that enforcement must keep pace with innovation.

As crypto adoption accelerates, the question for policymakers is how to balance the benefits of innovation with the risks of exploitation. The collapse of major crypto scam networks in Africa is only one chapter in a wider global story about digital trust, consumer protection, and the future of finance.