Law enforcement agencies across 16 African countries have arrested 651 suspects and recovered more than $4.3 million following a coordinated operation targeting online fraud networks, according to Interpol.
The international policing body said the operation — code-named Operation Red Card 2.0 — was conducted between December 8, 2025, and January 30, 2026. The eight-week crackdown focused on high-yield investment scams, mobile money fraud, and fake loan schemes.
$45 Million in Losses Traced to Cyber Syndicates
Interpol disclosed that investigations during the operation uncovered fraudulent schemes responsible for over $45 million in financial losses, with 1,247 victims identified — the majority based in Africa.
Authorities also confiscated 2,341 electronic devices and flagged 1,442 malicious IP addresses. Several domains and servers associated with the criminal networks were dismantled.
The agency noted that it provided support to participating countries through intelligence sharing, real-time data exchange, and digital forensic training.
Neal Jetton, director of Interpol’s cybercrime directorate, emphasised the scale of harm caused by organised cybercriminal groups.
“Operation Red Card demonstrates how critical cross-border collaboration is in tackling transnational cybercrime,” Jetton said, urging victims to report incidents to law enforcement authorities.
Investment Fraud Network Dismantled in Nigeria
In Nigeria, Interpol said security operatives dismantled a syndicate involved in high-yield investment scams. The group allegedly recruited young individuals to carry out phishing attacks, identity theft, social engineering schemes, and fraudulent digital asset investments.
Investigators reportedly shut down over 1,000 fake social media accounts linked to the network. Authorities also uncovered a residential building allegedly constructed by the suspected mastermind and used as a base for cyber operations.
In a separate case, Nigerian police arrested six individuals accused of breaching the internal systems of a major telecommunications company using compromised employee login credentials. The suspects allegedly diverted substantial quantities of airtime and data for illegal resale before the scheme was disrupted.
Arrests in Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire
In Kenya, authorities apprehended 27 suspects linked to online investment scams that used messaging platforms, social media, and fabricated testimonials to lure victims. According to Interpol, fraudsters persuaded individuals to invest as little as $50, promising substantial returns through supposed investments in reputable global corporations.
Victims were reportedly shown falsified dashboards and account statements to simulate profits, while withdrawal requests were blocked.
Meanwhile, in Côte d’Ivoire, law enforcement agencies arrested 58 suspects during an operation targeting mobile loan fraud. Officers seized 240 mobile phones, 25 laptops, and more than 300 SIM cards.
Authorities said the suspects operated deceptive mobile applications offering quick, unsecured loans. Victims were allegedly subjected to hidden charges, aggressive debt-collection tactics, and the harvesting of sensitive personal data.
International Collaboration
Interpol stated that the operation was carried out under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), with funding support from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Operational backing was also provided through the Global Action on Cybercrime Enhanced (GLACY-e) initiative — a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe.
Participating countries included Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Growing Threat of Cybercrime
The latest arrests highlight the increasing sophistication and reach of cybercriminal networks across Africa. Authorities say investment fraud, mobile money scams, and digital loan schemes remain among the fastest-growing forms of online crime, often targeting vulnerable individuals seeking financial opportunities.
Interpol reiterated its commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation to disrupt transnational cybercrime operations and protect citizens from financial and psychological harm.
Investigations into the dismantled networks are ongoing, and further arrests are not ruled out.
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