International Police and Angolan Forces Shut Down Illicit Digital Currency Farms, Over a Thousand Arrested, $100 Million Seized, and Crime Rings Impacted.
An extensive cooperative effort between International Police (Interpol) and law enforcement within Angola has resulted in a major takedown of unauthorized digital currency “mining” activities. The operation, announced on Friday, August 22, 2025, resulted in the detention of over 1,000 individuals and the confiscation of assets valued at approximately $100 million. The focus of the sweep was on 25 digital currency mining facilities across Angola. Authorities alleged these facilities were operating illegally, managed by 60 citizens of China. The Angolan government intends to repurpose seized equipment, valued at over $37 million, to supply power to communities facing critical energy shortages. This action signifies a global commitment to combating illegal activities related to digital currencies.
Zambia: Fifteen Detained in Connection to Digital Currency Fraud Affecting Thousands
The collaborative law enforcement initiative expanded into Zambia, where officials successfully dismantled a sizable online investment scam. This scheme reportedly defrauded 65,000 victims, causing estimated losses of $300 million. The scam promised substantial returns on digital currency investments through widespread advertising. Deceptive tactics involving social engineering were used to encourage victims to download applications for participation. Fifteen suspects were apprehended. Law enforcement also secured digital assets, including domain names, phone numbers, and banking information. Investigations are active to identify international accomplices involved in this fraudulent operation.
Further Reading: Tajikistan Details $3.5M Loss Due to Unlawful Bitcoin Mining | Live Bitcoin News
During the Zambian phase of the operation, a suspected network involved in trafficking of people was uncovered. Working alongside the Immigration Department in Lusaka, authorities intercepted 372 fraudulent passports from seven different nations, disrupting a significant scam “hub”. This discovery highlights the connection between digital crime and human exploitation. Joint efforts aim to completely dismantle these complex criminal networks.
Authorities in Côte d’Ivoire successfully shut down an international inheritance fraud scheme with origins in Germany. This prolonged deception involved tricking victims into paying upfront fees based on claims of non-existent inheritances, leading to losses of $1.6 million. The primary suspect was arrested, and assets, including electronics, jewelry, cash, vehicles, and documentation, were seized. Despite its age, inheritance fraud continues to be a lucrative revenue source for criminal organizations, making this apprehension notably important.
Global Impact of Crackdown on Illicit Digital Currency Operations
International Police Secretary General, Valdecy Urquiza, highlighted the operation’s success, emphasizing that each coordinated action reinforces the preceding one, strengthening collaboration and information sharing among participating nations. He stated that the escalating scope and effectiveness stem from an increasingly interconnected global network, generating meaningful impacts and safeguarding individuals affected by these crimes.
Training exercises preceding the operation focused on practical skills, including open-source intelligence, probes into unlawful digital currency mining, and analysis of ransomware. These sessions directly enhanced the effectiveness of the operation. The crackdown not only resulted in asset confiscation but also bolstered law enforcement’s capabilities to tackle similar crimes in the future. The successful outcomes in Angola, Zambia, and Cote d’Ivoire serve as a significant example for worldwide initiatives.
This coordinated initiative underscores the growing danger of illegal digital currency mining and related fraud schemes. Angolan authorities’ appropriation of assets enables them to enhance local infrastructure, transforming criminal gains into societal improvements. Active investigations suggest that the network’s reach could be larger, as authorities anticipate further arrests and asset recoveries in the future.