- Kenyan cybercriminals linked to a USD 8.6 million (Sh1.1 billion) credit card fraud scheme.
- Stolen funds funneled through UAE, Nigeria, and China using SWIFT transfers.
- Senegal, Cameroon, and Angola also recorded major arrests tied to online fraud and human trafficking.
A sweeping crackdown on cybercrime across Africa, dubbed Operation Serengeti, has seen 24 Kenyans arrested as part of a collaborative effort between Interpol and Afripol. The operation targeted cybercriminals across 19 African nations, netting over 1,000 suspects involved in various online fraud schemes.
In Kenya, investigators uncovered a sophisticated online credit card fraud network responsible for stealing USD 8.6 million (approximately Sh1.1 billion). The perpetrators used fraudulent scripts to alter banking systems and transferred the funds through SWIFT systems to companies in the UAE, Nigeria, and China.
This operation underscores the growing challenge of cybercrime in Africa. Interpol’s Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza described the operation as both a milestone and a wake-up call. “We know this is just the tip of the iceberg,” Urquiza stated, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Afripol’s Executive Director, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, highlighted the role of advanced criminal tactics, such as AI-driven malware, which were exposed during the operation.
Beyond Kenya, significant arrests were made across Africa:
- Senegal: Eight arrests, including five Chinese nationals, linked to a USD 6 million Ponzi scheme affecting 1,800 victims.
- Cameroon: A human trafficking ring tied to a multi-level marketing scam was dismantled.
- Angola: Authorities arrested over 150 people involved in an international virtual casino scam, seizing 200 computers and 100 phones.
Private sector partners, including internet service providers, played a vital role in disrupting criminal operations and enhancing digital security infrastructure.
Operation Serengeti marks a critical step in addressing the growing threat of cybercrime in Africa. While the arrests and disruptions signal progress, officials agree that more efforts are needed to tackle increasingly sophisticated cybercriminal networks.
