Abuja, Nigeria – August 27, 2025 – The African Center for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development has commended INTERPOL, the United Kingdom, and African law enforcement agencies for their joint efforts in dismantling cybercrime syndicates under Operation Serengeti 2.0.
The Center hailed the collaborative operation, coordinated through the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), which successfully disrupted criminal networks exploiting technology and global markets to commit transnational organized crime. Authorities recovered $97.4 million, though the Center noted this was modest compared to the estimated $300 million stolen in Zambia’s online investment fraud scheme.
“This milestone shows that with international cooperation, it is possible to confront and reduce illicit financial flows across Africa,” the organization said in a statement.
The anti-corruption organization further emphasized the importance of partnerships between law enforcement, the private sector, and development partners in combating high-impact financial crimes. It also called for recovered funds to be directed towards victim restitution and to strengthen prevention and investigation systems across African nations.
The African Center also applauded the support of the UK Government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), for helping African countries build resilience against financial crime, asset theft, and money laundering.
“As an organization committed to asset recovery and stronger compliance systems, we reaffirm our support for initiatives that safeguard Africa’s economies, protect its citizens, and reduce the harmful impact of illicit financial flows on development,” the statement added.
They urged African governments and partners to continue investing in capacity building, cross-border cooperation, and technological innovation to ensure the continent does not become a safe haven for cybercriminals.
