In a major crackdown on cybercrime, law enforcement agencies across seven African countries have arrested 306 suspects and seized 1,842 devices during Operation Red Card, conducted between November 2024 and February 2025.

The INTERPOL-coordinated initiative targeted cross-border criminal networks specializing in mobile banking fraud, investment scams, and messaging app schemes that victimized over 5,000 individuals. Participating countries included Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia.

“Operation Red Card demonstrates the power of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, which knows no borders and can have devastating effects,” said Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate.

## Key Arrests and Seizures

– Nigerian authorities arrested 130 individuals, including 113 foreign nationals, for online casino and investment fraud. Some suspects were reportedly victims of human trafficking forced into criminal activities.

– South African police apprehended 40 suspects and confiscated over 1,000 SIM cards used in SMS phishing campaigns.

– Zambian officials arrested 14 members of a syndicate that deployed malware via phishing links to hack victims’ phones and access banking applications.

– Rwandan authorities detained 45 criminals involved in social engineering scams that stole more than $305,000 in 2024. Approximately $103,043 has been recovered along with 292 devices.

The criminals employed various tactics, including impersonating telecommunications employees, claiming fake lottery wins, and posing as injured family members to extract sensitive information and funds.

Cybersecurity firms Kaspersky and Group-IB provided technical support, sharing analysis of malicious Android applications targeting African users.

This operation follows INTERPOL’s recent partnership with the African Development Bank Group to combat corruption, financial crime, and cyber fraud in the region.