Operation Serengeti III recovers $105 million from cybercriminals

Law enforcement agencies from 21 countries participated in Operation Serengeti III from June 29 to August 31, 2026, arresting 1,462 people and recovering over $105 million.

INTERPOL coordinated the operation to address cyber-enabled fraud, ransomware attacks, business email compromise, online scams, and digital extortion targeting 65,929 victims. Investigators connected criminal activity to total losses exceeding $385 million.

Authorities in Uganda dismantled transnational fraud rings and arrested 365 foreign nationals who ran online investment and pension fraud schemes aimed at victims in Asia. In Angola, police seized more than 2,000 cryptocurrency mining devices and related electrical equipment valued at over $1 million, arresting nine suspects. Nigerian authorities arrested individuals involved in phishing, business email compromise, and investment fraud, recovering $2.4 million in suspected criminal proceeds and a luxury vehicle.

INTERPOL’s African Cyber Threat Assessment Report 2026 indicated a growing cyber threat landscape in Africa, with criminals increasingly using artificial intelligence. Private sector companies supported the operation by providing intelligence and expertise. Investigations are ongoing to identify more suspects and recover additional funds.