Interpol arrests over 1,460 suspects in Africa-wide cybercrime crackdown

Interpol has arrested 1,462 suspects across 21 African countries following a coordinated cybercrime crackdown codenamed 'Serengeti III,' conducted between June and August 2026. The operation dismantled nearly 11,000 malicious digital networks linked to over 385 million USD in financial losses and successfully recovered 105 million USD in illicit funds. The crackdown targeted various cyber-enabled crimes, including online investment fraud, ransomware, business email compromise, and illegal cryptocurrency activities. Notable operations occurred in Uganda, where 365 foreign nationals were arrested, and Angola, where illegal cryptocurrency mining facilities were shut down. Interpol noted that the operation aimed to address the growing vulnerabilities in African digital financial systems, with support from global law enforcement and private cybersecurity partners.