In a groundbreaking collaboration, Group-IB, a prominent cybersecurity firm, joined forces with INTERPOL and AFRIPOL in an extensive crackdown on cybercrime across Africa known as “Operation Serengeti.” This operation, which lasted for two months from September 2nd to October 31st, 2024, resulted in the apprehension of over 1,000 individuals suspected of engaging in various cybercriminal activities throughout the continent.
Group-IB’s involvement in this operation was pivotal, as the company utilized advanced tactics to identify and track down cybercriminals. Through their analysis of complex cyberattacks, Group-IB uncovered a staggering 10,000 DDoS attacks originating from servers in Africa, over 3,000 phishing domains, and crucial information about data stealers who were involved in publishing leaks on Dark Web forums. This valuable intelligence proved instrumental in dismantling malicious infrastructure and aiding law enforcement agencies in bringing cybercriminals to justice. The actionable insights provided by Group-IB also informed INTERPOL’s Cyber Analytical Reports, enabling authorities to target and apprehend the most significant cybercrime actors across the region.
The impact of Operation Serengeti was substantial, leading to the arrest of 1,006 suspects and the dismantling of 134,089 malicious infrastructure and networks. During the operation, approximately 35,000 victims worldwide were identified, with collective financial losses amounting to around US$193 million. These victims received support and assistance in the aftermath of the cybercrimes perpetrated against them.
The ripple effects of Operation Serengeti were felt across multiple African countries, including Kenya, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Angola. In Kenya, authorities successfully dismantled an online credit card fraud ring responsible for stealing over US$8.6 million. Similarly, Senegal made significant strides by arresting eight individuals, including five Chinese nationals, involved in a US$6 million Ponzi scheme. Furthermore, Nigerian law enforcement apprehended an individual running online investment scams that netted over US$300,000 from unsuspecting victims. Cameroon and Angola also made notable contributions to the operation by dismantling a multi-level marketing scam group and disrupting a virtual casino operation, respectively, resulting in a total of 150 arrests.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, emphasized the critical nature of combating cybercrime, stating that the increasing volume and complexity of cyberattacks pose a significant threat. Operation Serengeti stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in combating cybercrime, with the arrests made during the operation potentially saving numerous individuals from falling victim to cybercriminal activities in the future.
In conclusion, Operation Serengeti showcased the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between cybersecurity firms, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations in combating cybercrime. The successful outcomes of this operation underscore the importance of ongoing collaboration and information sharing in safeguarding global cybersecurity and protecting individuals from the devastating impact of cybercrimes.