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Operation orchestrated by INTERPOL in Africa recovers a staggering $97 million

Investigation spanned from June to August 2025, involving detectives from 18 African nations and the United Kingdom.

International cooperation spearheaded by INTERPOL successfully retrieves $97 million in Africa
International cooperation spearheaded by INTERPOL successfully retrieves $97 million in Africa

Operation orchestrated by INTERPOL in Africa recovers a staggering $97 million

In a significant breakthrough, Operation Serengeti 2.0, funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has successfully dismantled a transnational inheritance scam originating in Germany. The scam, which caused losses of approximately $1.6 million through fake inheritance claims, was executed in Côte d'Ivoire.

The operation, carried out under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime, also saw the collaboration of the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), a 36-country consortium focused on proactive cybercrime prevention.

At the heart of the scam was a prime suspect who has now been arrested. The Ivorian authorities also apprehended the main suspect of the inheritance simulation in Côte d'Ivoire.

The dismantling of the scam has resulted in the seizure of various assets, including cash, vehicles, jewellery, and electronics. These seized assets serve as a testament to the success of Operation Serengeti 2.0 in Côte d'Ivoire.

This operation underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. With the help of InterCOP and the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime, the Ivorian authorities were able to successfully dismantle this complex scam and bring those responsible to justice.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is crucial that efforts to combat cybercrime follow suit. The success of Operation Serengeti 2.0 in Côte d'Ivoire serves as a reminder that through collaboration and determination, cybercriminals can be held accountable for their actions.

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