Between September 2, 2024, and October 31, 2024, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the police agency of the African Union (AFRIPOL) conducted a joint operation (Op. Serengeti) to dismantle major cybercrime centers across Africa that have affected over 35,000 people and caused $193 million in financial losses across the globe. 1,006 suspected were arrested and 134,089 malicious infrastructures and networks were dismantled during the operation.
Some of the operations that were targeted include:
A Kenyan credit card fraud scheme linked to $8.6 million in losses.
A $6 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded 1,811 victims. While operated from Senegal, 5 of the 8 arrested were Chinese nationals.
Nigerian crypto investment scams, where the scammer lured victims through messaging platforms with false promises of cryptocurrency returns.
A multi-level-marketing scam used to facilitate a human trafficking scheme in Cameroon.