Law enforcement from 16 African countries, together with INTERPOL, have arrested 651 suspected cybercriminals and recovered more than USD 4.3 million in a large operation targeting online scams. This campaign, called Operation Red Card 2.0, took place over eight weeks from December 8, 2025, to January 30, 2026. The operation focused on breaking down criminal networks involved in mobile money fraud, bogus investment schemes, and fake loan services that tricked victims both in Africa and beyond.
The operation shows how countries are working together more effectively to fight cybercrime. Authorities arrested many suspects, seized 2,341 electronic devices like phones and computers, and shut down 1,442 malicious internet addresses, domains, and servers used in these fraud schemes.
Cybercriminals used different tactics to deceive victims and make money:
- High-yield investment scams: Fraudsters promised large returns using fake websites and testimonials on social media. For example, in Kenya, authorities arrested 27 suspects who lured victims with small initial deposits (sometimes as low as USD 50), then blocked their withdrawal requests and took their money.
- Mobile money and loan fraud: In Côte d’Ivoire, police made 58 arrests and seized hundreds of mobile phones and SIM cards in operations targeting apps and fake loan services that collected personal data and charged hidden fees.
- Phishing and identity theft: In Nigeria, investigators shut down a group that hired individuals to run phishing schemes to steal identities and promote fake investment platforms. They took down over 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts and found a house used as a base for these crimes.
- Telecommunications fraud: In another Nigerian case, six suspects were arrested for accessing a telecom provider’s system using stolen staff credentials to steal airtime and data for resale.
Authorities identified over USD 45 million in financial losses linked to these scams, with at least 1,247 victims reported. This highlights the serious impact of online fraud on people’s lives and finances.
Operation Red Card 2.0 is part of a growing trend of coordinated efforts against cybercrime in Africa. Earlier phases of Operation Red Card in March 2025 led to 306 arrests, while Operation Sentinel in late 2025 resulted in 574 arrests, showing the increasing threat of online crime. Another operation, Serengeti 2.0, involved 18 countries and led to 1,209 arrests and nearly USD 97.4 million recovered, demonstrating the power of international cooperation.
These collective actions show a stronger partnership between African law enforcement and INTERPOL, supported by initiatives like the Global Action on Cybercrime Enhanced (GLACY-e) project and the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) framework.
Cybercrime in Africa crosses borders, as criminal groups take advantage of differences in regulations and enforcement to target victims globally. Scams like phishing, fake investment platforms, and mobile loan fraud have become more sophisticated, often using fake appearances and clever tricks to seem legitimate.
Neal Jetton, Director of the Cybercrime Directorate at INTERPOL, emphasised that these criminal groups cause significant financial and emotional harm to individuals and businesses. He urged victims to report online crimes to the authorities.
The financial losses revealed during Operation Red Card 2.0, amounting to at least USD 45 million along with over a thousand identified victims, highlight how widespread these scams are and their damaging effect on trust in the digital economy. Many victims are everyday people drawn in by promises of quick returns or easy loans, only to lose their savings or have their personal information exploited.
INTERPOL assisted with the operation by helping share intelligence, exchanging real-time information, and providing training in digital forensics to the participating countries. Help also came from private sector partners in the fight against cybercrime.
