"Interpol Repurposes Illicit Crypto Mines to Fuel Angola’s Power Gaps"

Interpol and Angolan authorities have launched a coordinated operation resulting in the seizure of 25 illicit cryptocurrency mining centers and the arrest of 60 Chinese nationals. The crackdown, part of a broader cybercrime operation named Serengeti 2.0, spans multiple African countries and has led to the arrest of 1,209 individuals and the recovery of nearly $97.4 million in assets. In Angola, the operation resulted in the confiscation of equipment valued at over $37 million, which the Angolan government plans to repurpose for power distribution in underserved areas [3]. This marks the continuation of a global trend where governments are increasingly targeting illicit crypto mining due to its high energy demands and impact on power infrastructure [1].

The Angolan government implemented a ban on cryptocurrency mining in April 2024, citing concerns over energy consumption and distribution. The country has struggled with inconsistent power supply, leading to the decision to restrict mining activities, which are seen as a drain on national resources. While the use of digital assets is not entirely illegal in Angola, the new policy makes the operation of mining equipment punishable by imprisonment and asset confiscation [1]. This move aligns with similar restrictions in other jurisdictions, including Russia’s Republic of Buryatia, where officials have also cracked down on energy-intensive mining operations [1].

In addition to the mining centers, Interpol’s operation in Zambia uncovered a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded over 65,000 victims of an estimated $300 million. The scheme operated by luring investors with promises of high returns through extensive online advertising and required victims to download multiple apps to participate. Authorities in Zambia have arrested 15 individuals and seized digital evidence, including domains, mobile numbers, and bank accounts. The operation also disrupted a suspected human trafficking network linked to the scam [3]. These findings highlight the broader role of cryptocurrency in facilitating various forms of financial fraud and illicit activity.

The crackdown in the Ivory Coast also uncovered a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany. Victims were deceived into paying fees to claim fictitious inheritances, resulting in $1.6 million in losses. Interpol emphasized that such scams remain a persistent threat, despite being among the oldest forms of internet fraud. The organization has continued to focus on combating cyber-enabled financial crimes, which have grown in sophistication and cross-border reach [3]. Operation Serengeti 2.0 builds on previous efforts, such as the first iteration of the operation in 2024, which saw over 1,000 arrests and targeted more than 35,000 victims [4].

The Angolan mining ban has broader implications for the global cryptocurrency industry, particularly for operations based in regions with unreliable energy infrastructure. The seizure of mining equipment by authorities highlights how governments are increasingly repurposing assets from illegal operations to address public infrastructure needs. This approach reflects a pragmatic use of confiscated equipment and underscores the tension between energy policy and the energy-intensive nature of cryptocurrency mining. The operation also demonstrates the growing coordination among international law enforcement agencies in targeting cybercrime and illicit digital asset activity [1].

Source: [1] Interpol Raid Angola Crypto Miners (https://cointelegraph.com/news/interpol-raid-angola-crypto-miners) [2] AP Technology SummaryBrief at 7:59 a.m. EDT (https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/aug/21/ap-technology-summarybrief-at-759-am-edt/) [3] Large Interpol Cybercrime Crackdown in Africa Leads To ... (https://www.wral.com/story/large-interpol-cybercrime-crackdown-in-africa-leads-to-the-arrest-of-over-1-200-suspects/22127435/) [4] Large Interpol Cybercrime Crackdown In Africa Leads To ... (https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34327721/large-interpol-cybercrime-crackdown-in-africa-leads-to-the-arrest-of-over-1-200-suspects)