The operation, called Operation Serengeti 2.0, disrupted networks accused of defrauding 88,000 victims and led to the recovery of about $97.4 million.

Authorities in Angola carried out some of the most notable seizures. They shut down 25 crypto mining facilities and accused 60 Chinese nationals of illegally validating blockchain transactions.

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Along with the arrests, 45 unauthorized electricity plants and mining equipment worth more than $37 million were confiscated. Officials said this hardware will be redirected to help supply power to low-income areas.

Investigators also exposed an “online investment fraud scheme” that encouraged people to invest in digital assets through flashy advertisements. The scam trapped 65,000 victims and caused losses of nearly $300 million.

Fifteen people have been detained so far, with evidence, such as domains, phone numbers, and bank accounts, already secured.

The campaign also stretched beyond financial crime. In Angola, officers disrupted a suspected trafficking network and seized 372 fake passports tied to seven different nationalities.

Preparations for Serengeti 2.0 began well in advance. Law enforcement teams were trained in blockchain analysis and ransomware tracking. Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza explained:

Each Interpol-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing and developing investigative skills across member countries.

Recently, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) removed more than 14,000 fraudulent websites over the past two years. What did the agency say? Read the full story.

Most of these seized funds are stored in one offline wallet, which ranks among the largest government-held crypto reserves, according to a July 6 report by Bloomberg.

Using blockchain records, public information, and careful investigation, the GIOC follows the money behind online scams.

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Jamie Lam, the US Secret Service’s analyst, told officials in Bermuda that fraudsters often create fake investment websites, which show small early gains to trick victims before disappearing with their deposits. To lure targets, scammers often use photos of attractive people, though the person behind the screen is usually someone entirely different.

Agents work by piecing together small details, such as website registration data, transaction links, or even minor mistakes by suspects.

In one case, a single crypto transfer pointed investigators to another wallet tied to the same scheme. In another instance, a brief lapse in VPN protection revealed a scammer’s actual location.

Kali Smith leads the Secret Service’s crypto investigations and oversees training programs in more than 60 countries. These programs help officials in other nations recognize fraud and tighten oversight, particularly in areas where financial controls are weak or where residency programs are exploited.

Smith noted that many are surprised to learn such crimes are already active in their own regions.

Recently, the crypto exchange Coinbase helped the US Secret Service recover $225 million linked to crypto investment scams. How? Read the full story.

According to a May 1 report from Malay Mail, the police seized 45 mining machines and other related equipment during the raids. The total value of the confiscated hardware was estimated at around RM225,000 (approximately $52,145).

Terengganu’s police chief, Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin, said the miners had been stealing electricity, causing Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the national power supplier, to lose about RM36,000 (roughly $8,342) each month.

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Investigators believe the group behind the mining activity was running their operations out of homes and commercial properties, connecting their equipment directly to the electricity grid without permission. The operation was carried out with help from TNB’s Special Engagement Against Losses (SEAL) unit.

Although no arrests were made during the raid, the seized items were taken to the district police headquarters for further investigation.

Bitcoin mining itself is not against the law in Malaysia. However, illegally tapping into the power grid is a serious offence. Under Malaysian law, anyone caught tampering with electricity infrastructure could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to RM100,000 (about $21,500), or both.

Meanwhile, Long Island resident Eugene William Austin Jr. was recently sentenced to 18 years in federal prison. What happened? Read the full story.