A major cybercrime network operating across Africa has been dismantled with authorities recovering millions of dollars from the operators.
The law enforcement agencies from 16 African countries joined forces to coordinate operations aimed at targeting these fraud networks. The investigative operation, called Operation Red Card 2.0; it ran from 8 December 2025 to 30 January 2026 and focused on dismantling the systems and people behind investment scams, mobile money fraud, and fake loan applications.
According to the details shared by INTERPOL, the eight-week operation succeeded in arresting about 651 individuals and reviving $4.3 million in stolen funds.
Investigators also uncovered scams linked to over $45 million in financial losses and identified 1,247 victims. Most of the victims were from African countries, although some were located in other parts of the world.
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The authorities seized 2,341 electronic devices during the coordinated raids. In addition, they shut down 1,442 malicious IP addresses, domains, and servers that were linked to the fraudsters’ operations.
INTERPOL supported the operation by providing intelligent systems for enabling real-time information across different countries. The organization also provided training to law enforcement officers on digital tools to help them track cybercriminal activities and secure electronic evidence.
How the Scams Operated in Africa
Based on the investigation, the fraud model was used across countries in Africa and even beyond. In Nigeria, for instance, the police dismantled a high-yield investment fraud that recruited young individuals to carry out cyber-enabled crimes.
The group used phishing attacks, identity theft, social engineering tactics, and fake digital asset investment schemes to deceive victims. Over 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts were linked to the network, and so far all have been taken down.
In Kenya, another major African country, authorities arrested 27 suspects connected to fraud schemes that operated through messaging apps and social media platforms. The scammers used fake testimonials and the names of reputable global corporations to gain the trust of victims.
In Côte d’Ivoire, law enforcement officers carried out a targeted operation on many mobile loan fraud networks. The operation led to the authorities arresting 58 individuals and seizing about 240 mobile phones, 25 laptops, and more than 300 SIM cards.
Source: Interpol
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