In a sweeping crackdown on cyber-enabled scams, authorities across seven African nations have arrested 306 individuals and seized nearly 2,000 electronic devices as part of an INTERPOL-led operation. The initiative, named Operation Red Card, ran from November 2024 to February 2025 and targeted a wide range of cybercrimes, including banking fraud, investment scams, and sophisticated social engineering schemes.
The arrests mark a significant step in dismantling international cybercriminal networks that have defrauded thousands of victims and funneled illicit funds through digital channels. Law enforcement agencies from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia collaborated in the effort, utilizing cutting-edge intelligence provided by INTERPOL and cybersecurity firms such as Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro.
Nigeria saw the highest number of arrests, with 130 individuals taken into custody, including 113 foreign nationals. The suspects were allegedly involved in large-scale online scams, including fake investment platforms and fraudulent online casinos. Investigators discovered that many of these schemes involved converting stolen funds into digital assets to obscure money trails. Nigerian authorities also confiscated 26 vehicles, 16 houses, 39 plots of land, and 685 electronic devices linked to these cybercriminal operations.
In South Africa, authorities dismantled a SIM box fraud ring, arresting 40 individuals and confiscating over 1,000 SIM cards and 53 desktop computers. The fraudsters used SIM box technology to reroute international calls as local ones, a tactic often employed in large-scale SMS phishing attacks aimed at stealing banking credentials and personal information.
Zambian police arrested 14 members of a cybercriminal syndicate specializing in hacking victims’ phones. The group’s primary method involved sending malicious links via messaging apps. Once clicked, the links installed malware that allowed the hackers to gain full control over victims’ devices, granting them access to sensitive financial data. The criminals then used compromised messaging accounts to distribute the malware further, expanding the reach of their fraudulent operations.
Meanwhile, Rwandan authorities uncovered a social engineering scam network responsible for defrauding victims of over $305,000 in 2024 alone. The suspects employed various deceptive tactics, including posing as telecom employees offering fake jackpot winnings and impersonating injured family members to solicit emergency financial assistance. The operation led to the arrest of 45 individuals, the recovery of $103,043, and the seizure of 292 electronic devices.
Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, highlighted the significance of the operation, stating, “The success of Operation Red Card demonstrates the power of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, which knows no borders and can have devastating effects on individuals and communities. The recovery of significant assets and devices, as well as the arrest of key suspects, sends a strong message to cybercriminals that their activities will not go unpunished.”
INTERPOL coordinated intelligence sharing between participating countries, providing crucial insights into cybercriminal tactics and networks. This intelligence was enriched through private-sector partnerships, reinforcing law enforcement capabilities in tackling emerging cyber threats. The operation was conducted under the framework of INTERPOL’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), a program funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The results of Operation Red Card underscore the growing sophistication of cyber-enabled crimes across Africa and the urgent need for continued international collaboration. While this enforcement action has dealt a major blow to organized cybercrime, authorities emphasize that ongoing vigilance, improved cybersecurity measures, and public awareness are essential to staying ahead of evolving digital threats. With digital fraud and cyber-enabled scams posing an increasing risk to individuals and businesses worldwide, law enforcement agencies remain committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring cybercriminals face justice. Operation Red Card is a testament to the power of coordinated global efforts in the fight against cybercrime, proving that no matter how advanced the schemes, those responsible will be held accountable.
