Interpol Arrests 1,209 in $97 million African Crypto Crackdown

* Authorities dismantled 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers in Angola. * $97 million recovered and over 1,000 arrests in Africa-wide operation. On August 22, 2025, CoinDesk reported a sweeping cybercrime crackdown across Africa. As part of this effort, Angolan authorities coordinated with Interpol to dismantle 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining centers. The enforcement initiative led to 1,209 arrests and the recovery of more than $97 million in stolen assets. This crackdown follows Angola's April 2024 ban on cryptocurrency mining, which stemmed from concerns over excessive energy consumption. Investigators revealed that 60 Chinese nationals operated the mining centers, allegedly using equipment valued at over $37 million. The Angolan government will repurpose the seized assets to support power distribution in vulnerable regions. After the ban, the Chinese embassy in Angola had previously warned its citizens against involvement in virtual currency mining. Dubbed "Operation Serengeti 2.0," the initiative targeted cybercrime activities in 18 African nations, including ransomware attacks, online scams, and crypto-related fraud. Interpol and the United Kingdom provided international support for the operation. The Angolan enforcement represents one of the most significant actions in arrests and monetary recovery, underscoring the growing concern about illicit cryptocurrency operations across the continent.