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Interpol and Afripol have concluded Operation Serengeti, a massive two-month anti-cybercrime operation across 19 African nations. The operation, running from September 2nd to October 31st, resulted in the arrest of 1,006 individuals and the dismantling of over 134,000 malicious infrastructures and networks. The crackdown targeted various cybercriminal activities, including ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), digital extortion, and online scams, all identified as major threats in the 2024 Africa Cyber Threat Assessment Report.
The operation's success stemmed from a strong collaborative effort between Interpol, Afripol, national law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners such as internet service providers. This collaborative approach enabled effective intelligence sharing and analysis, leading to targeted action against significant cybercriminal networks. Over 35,000 victims were identified, with the total financial losses linked to these crimes estimated at nearly $193 million worldwide. Several high-profile cases were solved, including a credit card fraud ring in Kenya responsible for $8.6 million in losses and a $6 million online Ponzi scheme in Senegal that affected over 1,800 victims.
Despite the significant number of arrests and the disruption of extensive criminal networks, Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized that this is an ongoing battle. The operation, she stated, represents "just the tip of the iceberg," highlighting the need for continued global collaboration to combat the escalating sophistication and volume of cybercrime attacks. Afripol’s Executive Director Jalel Chelba also underscored the importance of adapting to emerging threats, specifically mentioning AI-driven malware as an increasing concern.
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The operation's success stemmed from a strong collaborative effort between Interpol, Afripol, national law enforcement agencies, and private sector partners such as internet service providers. This collaborative approach enabled effective intelligence sharing and analysis, leading to targeted action against significant cybercriminal networks. Over 35,000 victims were identified, with the total financial losses linked to these crimes estimated at nearly $193 million worldwide. Several high-profile cases were solved, including a credit card fraud ring in Kenya responsible for $8.6 million in losses and a $6 million online Ponzi scheme in Senegal that affected over 1,800 victims.
Despite the significant number of arrests and the disruption of extensive criminal networks, Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized that this is an ongoing battle. The operation, she stated, represents "just the tip of the iceberg," highlighting the need for continued global collaboration to combat the escalating sophistication and volume of cybercrime attacks. Afripol’s Executive Director Jalel Chelba also underscored the importance of adapting to emerging threats, specifically mentioning AI-driven malware as an increasing concern.
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References :
- apnews.com: Interpol's press release detailing the results of Operation Serengeti.
- www.techmeme.com: Techmeme's brief mentioning Interpol's arrests in Africa.
- www.greenfieldreporter.com: Interpol clamps down on cybercrime and arrests over 1,000 suspects in Africa
- www.thecanadianpressnews.ca: The Canadian Press's report on Interpol's arrests in Africa.
- malware.news: Malware.news reports on Interpol and African nations arresting 1,006 individuals in Operation Serengeti.
- databreaches.net: News article summarizing the operation's results.
- securityaffairs.com: Security Affairs reports on INTERPOL arresting 1,006 suspects in 19 African countries.
- securityboulevard.com: Security Boulevard's report on Operation Serengeti.
- oodaloop.com: Oodaloop reports on Interpol’s clampdown on cybercrime and the arrest of over 1,000 suspects in Africa.
- www.helpnetsecurity.com: Help Net Security reports on the results of Operation Serengeti, a joint INTERPOL and AFRIPOL operation that led to the arrest of over 1,000 cybercrime suspects in Africa.
- www.scworld.com: SC Media reports on the major law enforcement operation targeting cybercrime in Africa.
- securityonline.info: Operation Serengeti: Major Cybercrime Sweep Across Africa Nets 1,006 Suspects
- malware.news: Included in the apprehended individuals were two dozen individuals in a cybercrime operation that amassed over $8.6 million from a malicious attack exploiting a banking system's security protocol,
- techxplore.com: Interpol's clampdown on cybercrime in Africa, resulting in over 1,000 arrests.
- cyberinsider.com: Cyberinsider.com article on Operation Serengeti.
- thehackernews.com: INTERPOL Busts African Cybercrime: 1,006 Arrests, 134,089 Malicious Networks Dismantled
- flagthis.com: News about Interpol's Operation Serengeti targeting cybercrime in Africa.
- www.cysecurity.news: Over 1,000 People Arrested by Interpol in Africa as it Cracks Down on Cybercrime
- social.heise.de: Heise Online reports on Interpol and Afripol's Operation Serengeti.
- www.heise.de: Heise Online reports on the results of Operation Serengeti, with 1006 cybercriminals arrested.
Classification:
- HashTags: #cybercrime #Interpol #Africa
- Company: Multiple
- Target: Multiple organizations and individuals in Africa
- Feature: Cybercrime
- Type: DataBreach
- Severity: Major