Operation Serengeti 2.0: More than 1,200 cybercriminals arrested in historic raid

An unprecedented international operation

International police cooperation has delivered a dramatic impact. INTERPOL confirmed the arrest of more than 1,200 people in Operation Serengeti 2.0, with the seizure of millions in assets and the dismantling of networks dedicated to digital scams, financial fraud, and cybercrime. Spain actively participated through INCIBE-CERT, consolidating its role in the global defense against cybercrime.

This is one of the largest international operations in recent years, both in terms of the scale of the arrests and the variety of crimes exposed. The campaign marks a milestone in police cooperation and sends a clear message to businesses and governments. According to INCIBE, the fight against cybercrime requires coordination on a global scale.

Ransomware at the heart of the threat

Although Serengeti 2.0 addressed a variety of crimes, several of the arrests are directly linked to ransomware attacks against companies and public organizations. These incidents confirm the evolution of the criminal model toward double extortion campaigns and massive leaks that seek not only financial gain but also immediate reputational impact.

On this occasion, researchers have highlighted how ransomware groups exploited critical vulnerabilities and third-party access to infiltrate large-scale systems. This fact serves as a reminder that an organization’s security also depends on its technology partners and the strength of its supply chain.

For CEOs, the message is clear: ransomware is no longer a one-off technical issue, but a comprehensive business risk, with consequences that impact both operational continuity and public perception of the brand.

Implications for businesses and leaders

The operation underscores that the fight against ransomware must combine technology, international cooperation, and business strategy. Now more than ever, having guides and resources against ransomware are essential for establishing prevention protocols, training staff, and increasing organizational maturity against attacks.

The challenge for leaders is not only to contain the operational impact, but also to manage the public narrative surrounding an incident. Every hour of silence following an attack generates uncertainty, rumors, and reputational damage. Communicating quickly, transparently, and consistently is key to maintaining the trust of customers, employees, and investors.

Preparation and resilience: the competitive key

Customers, strategic partners, and markets demand that companies guarantee continuity even under attack. This means investing in technical and organizational measures, ongoing audits, and clear strategies. Protect yourself from ransomware before it happens.

In addition, every organization must have a solid framework of crisis management that establishes roles, discourse, and immediate actions in the event of an incident. A quick and coordinated response can be the difference between a controlled incident and a media crisis that damages the brand for years.

In a market where trust translates into value, resilience is not only a shield against attacks: it is also a competitive advantage that differentiates prepared organizations from those that improvise under pressure.

Conclusion

Operation Serengeti 2.0 is a triumph in the fight against digital crime, but also a reminder that the threat has not disappeared. Cybercriminals will continue to adapt their methods, and the only real defense for businesses is to anticipate them with strategy, resilience, and leadership.

An attack can shut down systems and leak data, but what truly destroys value is the blow to trust. Integrating security and reputation management policies today ensures that when the next challenge arrives, the organization not only resists but also emerges stronger.