Global efforts to combat mobile phone theft and identity theft saw significant developments in 2024, marked by major law enforcement operations and legislative initiatives across multiple continents. The actions build upon previous international cybersecurity collaborations and evolving mobile authentication standards.
Operation Serengeti, a collaborative effort between Interpol and Afripol spanning 19 African countries, resulted in 1,006 arrests and the dismantling of over 134,000 malicious infrastructures. The operation identified more than 35,000 victims with losses approaching $193 million, while recovering approximately $44 million. The operation follows similar large-scale enforcement efforts in India, where authorities blocked hundreds of thousands of fraudulent SIM cards and IMEI numbers in 2023.
In a separate action, law enforcement agencies from nine countries collaborated to shut down the Ghost encrypted communication platform, which was being used by organized crime networks. The operation led to 51 arrests across multiple countries, including 38 in Australia and 11 in Ireland. The crackdown follows CISA’s recent guidance on mobile security threats.
Operation “Taken Down” targeted illegal streaming services, resulting in the dismantling of a network serving over 22 million users globally. Authorities seized more than 2,500 illegal channels and confiscated cryptocurrencies valued at €1.65 million, with the illegal service’s estimated annual financial impact exceeding €10 billion.
On the legislative front, several countries implemented or enhanced data protection regulations. The European Union’s GDPR continues to serve as a model for global data privacy standards, with countries like Brazil, South Africa, and India adopting similar frameworks. The EU has further strengthened its digital identity infrastructure through the updated EUDI framework, which addresses mobile authentication and eSIM technology.
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, enacted in 2023, introduced new guidelines for businesses handling personal data in one of the world’s largest economies. The legislation complements India’s existing cybersecurity measures, including AI-powered fraud detection systems implemented by major telecom providers.
Law enforcement experts have noted evolving challenges in combating mobile phone theft. “Thieves can now alter IMEI numbers of stolen phones within seconds,” said IT and cyber security expert Arif Moinuddin, complicating recovery efforts. “We need proactive measures, including improved street lighting and CCTV surveillance in high-risk areas,” noted Khandaker Farzana Rahman, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Dhaka University.
Operation PowerOFF demonstrated international cooperation in cybercrime prevention, with 15 countries working together to take down 27 DDoS-for-hire services and arrest three administrators, while identifying approximately 300 users of these illegal services. The operation supports the growing adoption of zero-trust security frameworks, which are becoming increasingly important in mobile security architecture.
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