Global Crime & Security

 

Global Crime & Security: Cyber Crackdown in Africa and Cartel Logistics in Europe

1. Operation Serengeti 2.0: A Cybercrime Sweep Across Africa

• Massive coordinated enforcement
  INTERPOL, in collaboration with 18 African nations and the UK, completed a landmark operation called Operation Serengeti 2.0, leading to the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals. The initiative dismantled over 11,000 malicious infrastructures and recovered nearly USD 97.4 million—a resounding blow against cybercrime networks.
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• Tackling key digital threats
  The operation targeted ransomware, phishing, business email compromises, and investment scams. For instance, in Angola, 25 illegal crypto-mining operations were shut down, and in Zambia, 65,000 victims were defrauded of approximately USD 300 million.
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• Private sector reinforcement
  Kaspersky and Fortinet played supportive roles in this operation. Kaspersky provided crucial threat intelligence, while Fortinet contributed technical and operational expertise, helping identify and neutralize cybercriminal infrastructure.
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2. PCC Cartel’s Western Europe Logistics Hub

• Global drug trafficking network
  The Brazilian gang Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) has extended its operations into West Africa and Europe. In a covert setup, Ireland has become a logistics hub where the PCC coordinates drug shipments while local gangs manage retail networks.
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• Sophisticated corporate-style criminal enterprise
  Originating in São Paulo, the cartel has evolved into a global criminal enterprise. It collaborates with international syndicates like Italy’s 'Ndrangheta and Hezbollah-linked networks, operating across continents with high-level organization and financial acumen.
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