Interpol arrests 1,462 suspects in 21 African countries over cybercrime
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mali Actu
Operation Serengeti III, conducted from 29 June to 31 August 2026 in 21 African countries with US support, led to the arrest of 1,462 suspects and the dismantling of more than 10,900 criminal networks. Interpol reports that 105 million dollars in assets were recovered and 66,000 victims identified, with losses estimated at more than 385 million dollars.
Interpol arrested 1,462 suspects in Operation Serengeti III, conducted from 29 June to 31 August 2026 in 21 African countries with the support of the United States, according to the results published by the international police organisation.
The operation also dismantled more than 10,900 malicious networks and recovered 105 million dollars in illicit assets. The activities targeted are believed to have caused losses of more than 385 million dollars to nearly 66,000 identified victims, according to Interpol.
Coordinated from Interpol’s headquarters in Lyon, the operation targeted transnational cybercrime networks. Its funding was provided in part by GLACY-e, a joint project of the European Union and the Council of Europe that supports the fight against cybercrime.
Interpol’s Director of Cybercrime, Neal Jetton, highlighted the operation’s results. Experts’ recommendations also focus on training local investigators, adapting national legislation and sharing intelligence between countries to sustain investigative capacity.
The results follow the announcement on 22 October of the recovery of more than 105 million dollars by Interpol in 21 African countries.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
