Operation “Red Card 2.0,” carried out in 16 African countries between December 2025 and January 2026, has dealt a major blow to transnational cybercrime networks. Hundreds of suspects were arrested and several million dollars recovered.
Coordinated by Interpol, the operation led to the arrest of 651 individuals and the seizure of more than $4.3 million. This large-scale action targeted online scams and international financial fraud, which particularly affect vulnerable populations across the continent.
Dubbed “Red Card 2.0,” the initiative took place from December 8, 2025, to January 30, 2026, mobilizing security services from sixteen African countries. According to a statement released by the international police organization, several networks specializing in large-scale fraud were dismantled.
After eight weeks of intensive investigations, authorities reported estimated losses exceeding $45 million, identified 1,247 victims—mainly in Africa—seized 2,341 electronic devices, and neutralized 1,442 malicious IP addresses, domains, and servers. The investigations notably targeted high-yield investment scams, mobile money fraud, and fake online loan schemes.
“These organized criminal syndicates cause significant financial and psychological harm to individuals, businesses, and communities,” said Neal Jetton, Director of Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate, urging victims to systematically report incidents to the relevant authorities.
On the ground, Nigeria stood out for dismantling a network that recruited young accomplices to carry out phishing campaigns, identity theft, and fake investment platforms. More than 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts were removed. Another operation led to the arrest of six suspects accused of infiltrating the internal systems of a major telecom operator to illegally resell airtime and data.
In Côte d’Ivoire, 58 people were arrested. Law enforcement authorities seized 240 mobile phones, 25 computers, and more than 300 SIM cards in cases involving fraudulent mobile loans targeting vulnerable citizens. In Kenya, 27 individuals were arrested for scams conducted via messaging applications and social media platforms.
Carried out under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) initiative, the operation benefited from the support of the GLACY-e project, backed by the European Union and the Council of Europe, as well as private partners specializing in cybersecurity.
The sixteen countries involved in this coordinated action were Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Chad, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
