An international cybercrime crackdown targeting transnational online fraud networks has resulted in 651 arrests and the recovery of more than ₹35.7 crore (over $4.3 million), following a coordinated effort led by INTERPOL and law enforcement agencies across 16 African countries.
The operation, codenamed Operation Red Card 2.0, took place between December 8, 2025, and January 30, 2026. Conducted under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), it focused on dismantling criminal infrastructure behind high-yield investment scams, mobile money fraud, phishing campaigns, identity theft schemes, and fraudulent mobile loan applications.
Participating countries included Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
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₹374 Crore in Linked Losses
According to INTERPOL, the eight-week operation exposed scams linked to over ₹374 crore (approximately $45 million) in financial losses and identified 1,247 victims. While most victims were based in Africa, investigators confirmed that fraudulent networks also targeted individuals in other regions of the world, highlighting the cross-border nature of modern cybercrime.
Authorities confiscated 2,341 electronic devices, including laptops and smartphones used to perpetrate scams. In addition, 1,442 malicious IP addresses, domains, and servers were taken offline, significantly disrupting the digital infrastructure that enabled these criminal enterprises.
Nigeria: Investment Fraud and Telecom Breach
In Nigeria, investigators dismantled a high-yield investment fraud ring that recruited young individuals to conduct phishing attacks, identity theft, social engineering, and fake digital asset investment schemes. More than 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts used to lure victims were shut down as part of the operation.
In a separate case, Nigerian authorities arrested six members of a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate that breached the internal systems of a major telecommunications provider using compromised staff login credentials. The group allegedly stole substantial volumes of airtime and mobile data, which were then resold illegally for profit.
Kenya: Fake Investment Dashboards
In Kenya, law enforcement arrested 27 individuals linked to an elaborate online fraud scheme. The suspects allegedly used messaging apps, social media platforms, fabricated testimonials, and professionally designed dashboards to convince victims to invest in fake opportunities promising unusually high returns.
Victims were shown bogus account statements to maintain credibility and create the illusion of profitability. However, when they attempted to withdraw funds, access was blocked, and communication ceased.
Côte d’Ivoire: Predatory Mobile Loan Apps
Authorities in Côte d’Ivoire arrested 58 individuals in connection with a predatory mobile loan fraud operation. Officers seized 240 mobile phones, 25 laptops, and more than 300 SIM cards during coordinated raids.
The suspects reportedly operated fake mobile loan applications targeting vulnerable populations. Victims were enticed with promises of unsecured loans, only to be trapped by excessive fees, abusive debt-collection practices, and theft of sensitive personal and financial data.
Emphasis on International Collaboration
Neal Jetton, Director of the Cybercrime Directorate at INTERPOL, stated that organized cybercriminal syndicates inflict devastating financial and psychological harm on individuals, businesses, and entire communities. He emphasized that Operation Red Card 2.0 demonstrates the critical importance of cross-border collaboration in combating transnational cybercrime.
The second phase of Operation Red Card follows an earlier wave conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, which resulted in 306 arrests and the seizure of 1,842 devices.
As cybercriminal groups continue to exploit digital platforms to target victims across borders, coordinated enforcement efforts like Operation Red Card 2.0 signal a firm commitment to dismantling transnational fraud networks and protecting citizens from financial exploitation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
