"Zambia Shatters $300M Crypto Scam Web, Unearths Human Trafficking Links"

Zambia has successfully dismantled a large-scale cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme that defrauded over 65,000 victims of an estimated $300 million, as part of a multinational cybercrime operation coordinated by Interpol. The operation, known as Operation Serengeti 2.0, took place between June and August 2025 and involved 18 African countries and the United Kingdom. It resulted in the arrest of 1,209 suspects and the recovery of $97.4 million in assets from cybercriminal activities across the continent.

The Zambian operation targeted a fraudulent investment platform that lured victims through extensive advertising campaigns promoting high-yield returns on cryptocurrency investments. Victims were instructed to download multiple apps to participate in the scheme. The crackdown led to the arrest of 15 individuals, and authorities seized critical evidence, including domains, mobile numbers, and bank accounts. Investigations are ongoing, with a focus on identifying and apprehending overseas collaborators.

In addition to the investment fraud, Zambian authorities uncovered a suspected human trafficking network linked to the same scam center. This discovery highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of cybercrime networks, which often intersect with other forms of organized crime. The operation also involved the confiscation of 372 forged passports from seven countries, further indicating the transnational character of these criminal activities.

Angola also saw a significant takedown of 25 cryptocurrency mining centers, where 60 Chinese nationals were found engaging in illegal mining operations. The Angolan government confiscated equipment valued at over $37 million and plans to repurpose the seized assets to support power distribution in vulnerable areas. This move aligns with broader African efforts to regulate the energy consumption of cryptocurrency mining, which has become a contentious issue due to its high electricity demands and potential to strain local infrastructure.

The broader impact of the operation is reflected in the scale of the cybercrime networks disrupted. The 11,432 pieces of malicious infrastructure dismantled during the operation underscore the global reach and complexity of cybercriminal ecosystems. The successful coordination between law enforcement agencies, supported by private sector collaboration, demonstrates the importance of cross-border intelligence sharing and joint investigative efforts in combating cybercrime.

Operation Serengeti 2.0 was supported by nine private sector partners, including Cybercrime Atlas, Fortinet, Kaspersky, and TRM Labs, who provided critical intelligence and technical expertise. The operation also included preventive measures through partnerships with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), aimed at mitigating cybercrime before it occurs. This proactive approach signals a shift in cybercrime strategy toward prevention and early intervention.

The operation was funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and falls under the umbrella of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime. This initiative reflects the increasing recognition of cybercrime as a cross-border threat that requires sustained international cooperation to address. The success of Operation Serengeti 2.0 is expected to strengthen future collaborative efforts and provide a model for combating similar threats in other regions.

Source: [1] African authorities dismantle massive cybercrime and fraud network, recover millions (https://www.interpol.int/News-and-Events/News/2025/African-authorities-dismantle-massive-cybercrime-and-fraud-networks-recover-millions) [2] Interpol-led crackdown disrupts cybercrime networks in Africa (https://cyberscoop.com/interpol-operation-serengeti-2-africa/) [3] Large Interpol cybercrime crackdown in Africa leads to the arrest of over 1,200 suspects (https://www.kaaltv.com/ap-top-news/large-interpol-cybercrime-crackdown-in-africa-leads-to-the-arrest-of-over-1200-suspects) [4] Interpol Coordinates Crackdown on Illegal Angola-Based Cryptocurrency Mining (https://cointelegraph.com/news/interpol-raid-angola-crypto-miners) [5] Large Interpol Cybercrime Crackdown in Africa Leads to the Arrest of Over 1,200 Suspects (https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34327721/large-interpol-cybercrime-crackdown-in-africa-leads-to-the-arrest-of-over-1-200-suspects) [6] Interpol Cybercrime Crackdown in Africa Leads to the Arrest of Over 1,200 Suspects (https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/large-interpol-cybercrime-crackdown-africa-leads-arrest-1200-124875773)