The Zambian police recently disrupted a major international cybercrime operation in Lusaka, revealing a significant fraudulent scheme targeting victims through cryptocurrency scams.
In August 2025, Zambian police raided a call center in Lusaka, uncovering that the staff posing as technical support were part of an international fraud network exploiting victims with false promises of cryptocurrency earnings. This raid not only dismantled a widespread scam but also initiated a larger operation termed 'Serengeti 2.0', which involved collaboration across 18 African nations to tackle the increasing prevalence of cybercrime on the continent.
The independent journalist Isabel Raveena reported for New Lines Magazine that the operation was pivotal in addressing human trafficking and included the seizure of 372 fake passports. The intelligence operation played a crucial role in striking at the heart of cybercriminal activities that have seen unprecedented growth in Africa, aiming to help protect thousands of innocent victims from financial ruin.
Through this comprehensive cross-border initiative, led by Interpol and supported by British funding and Dutch assistance, over 11,000 cybercrime networks were dismantled, and an estimated $100 million was retrieved after uncovering that these criminal organizations were linked to approximately $485 million lost by 88,000 victims. The operation marks a significant step in not only addressing cybercrime but also in enhancing international cooperation to safeguard vulnerable populations.
