– A sweeping international operation led by Interpol has resulted in the arrest of 651 individuals across 16 African nations, dismantling a major cybercrime network responsible for an estimated $45 million in losses. The eight-week crackdown, codenamed Operation Red Card 2.0, ran from December 8, 2025, to January 30, 2026, targeting a range of online frauds including high-yield investment scams, mobile money fraud and fraudulent mobile loan applications.
The countries involved in the operation were Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Authorities seized 2,341 electronic devices and took down 1,442 malicious IPs, domains, and servers used to facilitate the scams, according to Interpol.
Investigators identified 1,247 victims, most of whom were based in Africa, and recovered more than $4.3 million during the crackdown. The operation underscores the growing sophistication and transnational nature of cybercrime, requiring coordinated international responses.
“These organized cybercriminal syndicates inflict devastating financial and psychological harm on individuals, businesses and entire communities with their false promises,” said Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of Cybercrime. “Operation Red Card highlights the importance of collaboration when combatting transnational cybercrime.”
Nigeria emerged as a key focal point of the operation, with police dismantling a major investment fraud syndicate. This group allegedly recruited young individuals to carry out phishing attacks, identity theft, and fake cryptocurrency investment schemes. Authorities shut down over 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts linked to the syndicate and discovered a residential property used as a central operational base.
The success of Operation Red Card 2.0 relied heavily on intelligence sharing and collaboration with private-sector partners, including cybersecurity firms and blockchain intelligence providers. This collaboration reflects the increasingly complex nature of cybercrime networks and the need for diverse expertise to effectively combat them.
INTERPOL supported participating countries with real-time information exchange and specialized training in digital forensic tools to strengthen investigative capacity. The operation highlights Africa’s growing institutional capacity to combat digital financial crime as internet penetration, mobile banking, and digital payments expand rapidly across the continent.
While these developments present new economic opportunities, they also create new security challenges. The increasing reliance on digital financial systems makes individuals and businesses more vulnerable to cyberattacks and fraud. Operation Red Card 2.0 serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect against cybercrime.
Authorities urge victims of cybercrime to report incidents to law enforcement agencies. Reporting helps investigators track down criminals, recover stolen funds, and prevent future attacks. The ongoing fight against cybercrime requires a collective effort from law enforcement, the private sector, and individuals alike.
