Combating Cybercrime in Africa: Kaspersky’s Role in Operation Serengeti 2.0

As cyber threats proliferate with the rapid digitization of various sectors, the need for collaborative action in addressing these risks becomes increasingly urgent. Recently, Kaspersky has joined forces with INTERPOL in a significant operation dubbed Serengeti 2.0, aimed at tackling a surge of cybercrime across Africa. This initiative not only emphasizes the scale of the challenge but also highlights the critical role that private-public partnerships play in curbing such threats.

A Well-Coordinated Response

Spanning from June to August 2025, Operation Serengeti 2.0 brought together law enforcement officials from 18 African nations and the United Kingdom. The operation sought to address various cybercrime activities, including ransomware, online scams, and business email compromise (BEC). The results were striking: 1,209 suspected cybercriminals were apprehended, and an impressive recovery of USD 97.4 million was made. The operation dismantled a staggering 11,432 malicious infrastructures, which had targeted close to 88,000 victims.

Kaspersky’s contribution was pivotal, as it provided vital threat intelligence data and indicators of compromise (IoCs). These tools enable law enforcement to understand and track the evolving landscape of cyber threats more effectively. Between January and May 2025 alone, Kaspersky’s solutions identified approximately 10,000 unique ransomware samples across the continent, underscoring the urgency of their involvement.

Uncovering the Dark Web of Fraud

A notable aspect of Kaspersky’s role in Operation Serengeti included their investigative support to INTERPOL regarding a cryptocurrency investment scam. This fraudulent scheme deceived over 65,000 users into investing in a non-existent business, tallying estimated losses of USD 300 million. Kaspersky’s Threat Research expertise center worked diligently to uncover new network IoCs, facilitating law enforcement in Zambia to identify and arrest 15 individuals involved in the scam. Investigations are ongoing, aimed at exposing international actors linked to this malevolent operation.

Building on Previous Successes

The groundwork for such transnational cooperation was laid earlier with the first iteration of Operation Serengeti, held from September to October 2024. That earlier effort culminated in the arrest of over 1,000 suspected cybercriminals and the exposure of cybercrimes causing damages amounting to nearly USD 193 million. Each operation builds upon its predecessor, creating a momentum that amplifies the effectiveness of subsequent initiatives.

Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, emphasized the cumulative benefits of these coordinated efforts: “Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing, and developing investigative skills across member countries.” This continuous evolution not only strengthens international partnerships but also enhances the investigative readiness of participating nations.

The Challenges of Digitalization

Kaspersky’s Vice-President of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Yuliya Shlychkova, articulated the dual nature of Africa’s rapid digital transformation. While it generates significant opportunities, it also ushers in complex risks. “It is extremely important to drive effective private-public partnership,” she asserted, presenting a clear vision for enhancing collaborative frameworks to foster a safer cyberspace in the region. The progress made through INTERPOL-led operations serves as a beacon, demonstrating how ongoing dialogue and data exchange can reduce cybercrime rates.

The Future Landscape of Cybersecurity

The challenges facing Africa are multi-faceted. Despite recent advancements in cybersecurity, cybercrime rates continue to soar. The latest Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2025, which incorporates Kaspersky’s invaluable threat data, underscores a disturbing trend exacerbated by the rise of AI-driven assaults and the proliferation of turnkey attack infrastructures. The report indicates a need for robust cross-border cooperation, a sentiment echoed by nearly 90% of local agencies recognizing the necessity for streamlined, multistakeholder efforts against evolving risks.

The ecosystem of cybersecurity is complex, yet Kaspersky’s involvement in operations like Serengeti 2.0, along with previous initiatives such as Africa Cyber Surge and Red Card, reflects a concerted effort to build a resilient cyber environment across the continent. With a diverse participation of countries—ranging from Angola to Zambia—these collaborations are not merely reactive but instead, represent a proactive stance toward safeguarding the digital frontiers of Africa.

Conclusion

As the tides of cybercrime continue to rise, initiatives like Operation Serengeti 2.0 serve as a crucial reminder of the power of collective action. Kaspersky’s partnership with INTERPOL embodies an essential strategy in the fight against cyberthreats: collaboration across borders, sectors, and expertise. Through such committed efforts, the hope for a secure digital future in Africa becomes a tangible goal, creating an environment where opportunities can flourish without the overshadowing threat of cybercrime.