Combating Cybercrime: The Impact of Kaspersky’s Partnership with INTERPOL

A Bold Initiative to Tackle Cybercrime

In a significant move against cybercriminal activities on the African continent, Kaspersky, in collaboration with INTERPOL, has played a crucial role in an operation dubbed Serengeti 2.0. This initiative aimed to address a spectrum of cyber threats debilitating both individuals and organizations across 18 African nations and the United Kingdom. The culmination of these efforts saw the arrest of 1,209 suspected cybercriminals between June and August 2025, highlighting the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digital world.

Addressing High-Impact Cybercrimes

Serengeti 2.0 tackled an array of high-impact cybercrimes, including ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise (BEC). The operation yielded significant outcomes, with a remarkable recovery of USD 97.4 million and the dismantling of over 11,000 malevolent infrastructures implicated in cyber malfeasance targeting nearly 88,000 victims. This operation not only showcased the collaborative effort of law enforcement but also underscored the need for a cohesive response to rising cyber threats.

Sharing Expertise and Threat Intelligence

Kaspersky has a history of contributing to INTERPOL’s operations, enhancing efforts to combat cybercrime with invaluable threat intelligence. The company provided critical data concerning regional threats such as phishing websites and malicious botnets. From January to May 2025 alone, Kaspersky products identified approximately 10,000 unique ransomware samples in Africa, evidencing the scale of the cybersecurity challenge.

During the operation, Kaspersky also responded to INTERPOL’s request for assistance in investigating a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme that deceived users into investing in a fictitious business. This examination revealed new indicators of compromise (IoCs), aiding law enforcement in capturing perpetrators. The Zambian authorities subsequently apprehended 15 individuals linked to this scheme, which collectively misled 65,000 victims and resulted in losses estimated at USD 300 million.

Building on Past Successes

The operations grounded in Serengeti 2.0 were not an isolated endeavor. The inaugural Serengeti operation, held from September to October 2024, similarly targeted digital extortions and scams that collectively inflicted around USD 193 million in damages. This vital groundwork set the stage for a united approach among nearly 20 countries, leading to more than 1,000 arrests in the earlier operation.

Voices from the Frontlines

Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, emphasized the ongoing evolution of these collaborations, stating, "Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing, and developing investigative skills across member countries." His remarks reflect a growing recognition of the need for an interconnected global network capable of delivering tangible results against cybercrime.

Yuliya Shlychkova, Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Kaspersky, provided insights into the digital landscape in Africa. She pointed out, “The African continent’s rapid digitalization can be a double-edged sword… It is extremely important to drive effective private-public partnerships.” Shlychkova’s perspective underlines the urgent requirement for united efforts between private entities and law enforcement to enhance cybersecurity resilience across the region.

The Cybersecurity Landscape in Africa

The latest Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2025 indicates that while advancements have been made in the realm of cybersecurity, cybercrime continues to flourish, exacerbated by the rise of AI-driven criminal activities and turnkey attack infrastructures. The report cites the crucial need for streamlined multistakeholder efforts to address these evolving threats, especially given that nearly 90% of African agencies acknowledge the limitations in cross-border cooperation.

The success of operations like Serengeti 2.0 renders a hopeful picture; however, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Kaspersky’s ongoing commitment, highlighted through its participation in various operations—including Africa Cyber Surge and Red Card—illustrates a sustained effort to fortify the African cybersecurity ecosystem.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, collaboration is more critical than ever. Kaspersky’s partnership with INTERPOL represents not only a vital line of defense but also a beacon of hope for a safer digital future in Africa. The journey is ongoing, with the collective efforts of governments, technology firms, and law enforcement agencies set to shape the region’s cybersecurity landscape in the years to come. By fostering continued dialogue and enhancing cooperation, stakeholders aim to turn the digital realm into a safe space for innovation and opportunity rather than a breeding ground for cyber threats.