Crypto Fraud Unveiled: Interpol Shuts Down $300 Million Scam via Operation Serengeti 2.0
On August 22, Interpol launched Operation Serengeti 2.0, targeting a major crypto fraud in Zambia. The scam affected 65,000 victims and stole an estimated $300 million.
Zambian authorities made 15 arrests, exposing a vast network of fraudulent apps. These apps mimicked legitimate services, luring users with the promise of lucrative returns. The criminals used targeted ads to boost their reach.
The police seized vital digital evidence, including control domains and bank accounts linked to the crime. This enabled investigators to trace the global networks supporting the scam.
- Zambia – 15 arrests and $300 million theft through a complex app ecosystem.
- Angola – Confiscated 25 illegal crypto mining centers and 45 illicit power stations.
- Captured equipment valued at $37 million.
concurrently, angola shut down 25 unauthorized crypto mining sites and 45 illegal power stations linked to the scheme. The confiscated hardware is set to aid local power distribution efforts.
the operation recovered $97.4 million and dismantled over 11,000 malicious setups. It involved shared intelligence between Interpol and investigator teams from 19 regions, including the UK.
