Authorities in Angola recently dismantled 25 cryptocurrency mining centers as part of an Interpol-coordinated operation that led to the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals across Africa. The Angolan crackdown reportedly identified 45 “illicit” power stations, which were confiscated along with crypto mining and information technology equipment valued at more than $37 million.

According to an Interpol news release, the seized equipment is earmarked by the Angolan government to support power distribution in vulnerable areas. The prohibition on cryptocurrency mining took effect in 2024, a few months after the Angolan legislature approved a bill that sought to address the crypto industry’s environmental impact and safeguard the country’s “monetary sovereignty.”

A few months after the law took effect, the China Embassy in Angola warned Chinese citizens against engaging in cryptocurrency mining. The warning was issued after Angolan authorities had previously detained several Chinese citizens accused of illegally using electricity for crypto mining. However, the warning was seemingly ignored, as some 60 Chinese nationals were later caught “illegally validating blockchain transactions to generate cryptocurrency.”

Meanwhile, the Interpol-coordinated operation saw Zambian authorities to dismantle a large-scale online investment fraud scheme that fleeced over $300 million from some 65,000 victims. The cybercriminals had lured victims to invest in cryptocurrency scams by promising high returns. Interpol said 15 individuals were arrested in Zambia and key evidence including domains, mobile numbers, and bank accounts was seized.

Remarking on the success of the operation, Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of Interpol, said:

“Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing and developing investigative skills across member countries. With more contributions and shared expertise, the results keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims.”

Besides the crypto-related raids, authorities in Africa also busted a human trafficking syndicate as well as a transnational inheritance scam. Overall, the crackdown recovered $97.4 million and dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures.

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