Operation Serengeti 2.0: A Landmark Cybercrime Crackdown Across Africa

Binance Blog published a new article, highlighting the significant achievements of Operation Serengeti 2.0, a coordinated effort by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL to dismantle transnational cybercrime networks across Africa. This operation, which took place from June to August 2025, resulted in the recovery of $97.4 million and the arrest of 1,209 criminals. The initiative underscores the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in combating cybercrime, with over 30 companies, including Binance, contributing to the Cybercrime Atlas Initiative. This initiative facilitated the sharing of intelligence and resources, demonstrating the importance of private-sector expertise in supporting law enforcement efforts against borderless cyber threats. The operation targeted high-impact cybercrimes such as ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and cryptocurrency scams, identified as critical threats in INTERPOL’s Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report. Authorities successfully arrested 1,209 cybercriminals linked to attacks on 88,000 victims, dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, and notably took down 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers in Angola. These centers were exploiting energy resources to validate blockchain transactions. Additionally, a $300 million crypto investment scam in Zambia, which defrauded 65,000 victims, was disrupted. Angolan authorities also seized 45 illicit power stations valued at over $37 million, redirecting their energy output to support vulnerable communities. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of global public-private cooperation in dismantling cybercriminal networks that leverage transnational operations. The Cybercrime Atlas Initiative, hosted by the World Economic Forum, serves as a blueprint for collaboration, uniting over 30 private-sector leaders, including Binance, Microsoft, and Fortinet, with law enforcement to map and disrupt cybercriminal ecosystems. By pooling Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools, expertise, and threat intelligence, this initiative creates a unified front against cyber threats. Binance’s role in the initiative has been multifaceted, participating in weekly threat-hunting sessions with investigators to analyze emerging threats and contributing actionable intelligence and solutions to INTERPOL. Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Secretary General, emphasized the growing scale and impact of these efforts, noting the strength of the global network in delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims. OSINT plays a pivotal role in modern cybercrime disruption, enabling participants to map criminal infrastructures and identify cross-border connections. This approach allowed Angolan authorities to trace illegal crypto mining activities and empowered Zambian officials to dismantle a sprawling investment scam. OSINT bridges gaps between jurisdictions, enhancing operational precision and enabling coordinated action. Operation Serengeti 2.0 exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships, with INTERPOL serving as a trusted hub for sharing expertise between law enforcement and companies. The effort is transitioning from ad hoc support to long-term partnerships for sustained impact, aligning with frameworks like the WEF’s Cybercrime Atlas to target systemic vulnerabilities. For Binance, participation in initiatives like the Cybercrime Atlas reflects a commitment to fostering a safer digital future. As global economies digitize, Binance will continue to champion collaboration, innovation, education, and accountability to protect users worldwide.