INTERPOL recovers more than $105 million in 21 African countries
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mimimefoinfos
INTERPOL’s Operation Serengeti III led to the arrest of 1,462 suspects and the recovery of more than $105 million in illicit funds across 21 African countries, including Cameroon. Conducted from 29 June to 31 August 2026, it also disrupted 10,909 malicious networks and identified 65,929 people targeted, according to INTERPOL, cited by Mimimefoinfos.
INTERPOL’s Operation Serengeti III recovered more than $105 million, or about 61.4 billion CFA francs, in 21 African countries and led to the arrest of 1,462 suspects, according to a statement published by the organisation on Thursday 22 October.
Conducted from 29 June to 31 August 2026, the operation also disrupted 10,909 malicious networks. Investigators identified 65,929 victims and linked the criminal activities to losses exceeding $385 million. The investigations targeted online scams, digital extortion, ransomware and business email compromise, among other offences.
Cameroon was among the participating countries, alongside Angola, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. In its 2026 assessment of cyber threats in Africa, INTERPOL noted that criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence.
The announcement came during a visit to Cameroon by INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe, who arrived in Yaoundé on 18 October to strengthen police cooperation against terrorism and transnational crime. It was his first visit to Africa since his election as head of the organisation in November 2025.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
