An international initiative aimed at curbing cybercrime has resulted in the arrest of 651 individuals and the recovery of over $4.3 million. Spearheaded by INTERPOL, this operation involved law enforcement agencies from 16 African nations, focusing on dismantling online scams and fraudulent activities.
Operation Red Card 2.0 Overview
The initiative, known as Operation Red Card 2.0, was conducted from December 8, 2025, to January 30, 2026. It targeted the infrastructure and perpetrators behind various cybercrimes, including high-yield investment scams and mobile money fraud. Participating countries spanned the African continent, including Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and several others, working under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC).
Impact and Results
During the operation, investigations uncovered scams causing financial losses exceeding USD 45 million, affecting 1,247 victims both within Africa and globally. Authorities confiscated 2,341 devices and dismantled 1,442 malicious online infrastructures, such as IPs and domains.
Notable Arrests and Seizures
In Nigeria, a fraudulent investment ring was dismantled, which involved young recruits executing cybercrimes through phishing and identity theft. This resulted in the removal of over 1,000 fake social media accounts. Nigerian authorities also arrested six individuals linked to a breach of a telecom provider’s platform, which involved stealing airtime and data.
In Kenya, 27 people were detained for a scheme using social media and messaging apps to lure victims into fake investments, promising large returns. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire authorities apprehended 58 individuals and seized a significant number of devices, disrupting a mobile loan fraud operation targeting vulnerable populations.
Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate head, emphasized the severe financial and psychological impacts these cybercrimes have on communities. He highlighted the significance of international cooperation in battling such transnational threats and encouraged victims to seek assistance from law enforcement.
The second phase of Operation Red Card follows the initial phase, which occurred between November 2024 and February 2025, resulting in 306 arrests and 1,842 device seizures. This ongoing effort represents a strong international commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting communities worldwide.
