Operation Serengeti 2.0 is an Interpol-led crackdown that arrested over 1,200 suspects, targeted 88,000 victims of cybercrime, and resulted in the seizure of roughly $97.4 million in cash, mining equipment and illicit infrastructure, while exposing a separate Zambian scheme costing 65,000 people an estimated $300 million.
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More than 1,200 arrests across 18 African countries and the U.K.
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Approximately $97.4 million seized in assets, equipment and illicit facilities.
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Separate Zambian fraud affected 65,000 victims, with estimated losses of $300 million.
Meta description: Interpol Operation Serengeti 2.0: Over 1,200 arrests, $97.4M seized, and 65,000 victims losing $300M to crypto scams. Read COINOTAG’s detailed report.
What is Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0?
Operation Serengeti 2.0 is an Interpol-coordinated law enforcement effort that targeted cross-border cybercrime and crypto-related fraud. The operation led to more than 1,200 arrests, large-scale seizures of cash and mining equipment, and strengthened investigative cooperation among 18 African nations and the U.K.
How were crypto mining operations affected during the raids?
Authorities dismantled 25 mining centers in Angola, seizing mining rigs and 45 illicit power stations valued at over $37 million. Officials say some operators allegedly used unauthorized labor to validate blockchain transactions, prompting equipment confiscation and repurposing of power assets for community distribution.
Why did the Zambian fraud case stand out?
Zambia’s case involved a large-scale online investment fraud that targeted about 65,000 people with aggressive advertising and false promises of high crypto returns. Investigators report estimated losses of $300 million, 15 arrests, and the seizure of domains, mobile numbers and bank accounts as key evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many victims were affected by Interpol-coordinated actions?
Interpol reports 88,000 victims linked to the coordinated actions across multiple investigations, while a separate Zambian scheme alone impacted an estimated 65,000 victims who lost roughly $300 million.
What evidence did authorities seize in the operations?
Law enforcement seized cash, mining equipment, 45 illegal power stations, forged passports (372 items from seven countries), domains, mobile numbers and bank accounts used in the frauds.
How did investigators prepare for crypto-related probes?
Investigators received training in blockchain analytics, ransomware analysis, and open-source intelligence tools to better trace transactions and identify cross-border collaborators, improving information sharing for follow-up actions.
Key Takeaways
- Scale of enforcement: Operation Serengeti 2.0 shows major cross-border coordination with over 1,200 arrests.
- Economic impact: $97.4 million in assets seized and a Zambian fraud case causing estimated $300 million in victim losses.
- Investigative capacity: Training in blockchain analytics and OSINT was central to tracing illicit crypto flows and disrupting networks.
Conclusion
Interpol’s Operation Serengeti 2.0 demonstrates intensified global efforts to curb cybercrime and crypto scams through coordinated arrests, asset seizures and capacity building. Continued cross-border collaboration and improved analytics are crucial to protect victims and recover illicit proceeds. For updates and further analysis, follow COINOTAG’s coverage and official statements.
