Operation Serengeti Leads to Arrests Across Africa, Disrupting Major Cybercrime Networks
Nearly 24 Kenyans have been arrested in connection with a large-scale credit card fraud scheme that resulted in losses of $8.6 million (over Sh1.1 billion). These arrests were part of a broader crackdown on cybercriminal activities, orchestrated by INTERPOL in collaboration with AFRIPOL.
The operation, codenamed Operation Serengeti, took place between September and October 2024. It targeted cybercrime networks across 19 African nations, aiming to dismantle illegal activities such as ransomware, online scams, and digital extortion. The coordinated effort led to the arrest of 1,006 individuals across the continent and the dismantling of 134,089 malicious networks.
In addition to the arrests, the operation identified over 35,000 victims worldwide, with the total financial losses amounting to $193 million (approximately Sh25 billion). Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, praised the success of the initiative. He remarked, “Operation Serengeti shows what we can achieve by working together. These arrests alone will prevent countless future victims from experiencing personal and financial harm. But this is just the beginning; we will continue to target these criminal groups globally.”
The Kenyan Connection
In Kenya, investigators uncovered that the fraudsters had manipulated the banking system’s security protocols, using SWIFT codes—unique identifiers for international bank transactions—to divert funds illegally. The stolen money was transferred into companies located in the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, China, and various digital asset institutions.
AFRIPOL’s Executive Director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, underscored the importance of the operation in combating digital threats. He said, “Through Operation Serengeti, AFRIPOL has significantly enhanced support for law enforcement in African Union Member States. We’ve facilitated critical arrests and gained valuable insights into cybercrime trends.”
While these arrests represent a major step in the fight against digital fraud, both INTERPOL and AFRIPOL recognize that there is still much to be done. Strengthening international partnerships, investing in advanced technologies, and enhancing cybercrime laws will be crucial in combating future cyber threats and ensuring the security of global financial systems.
