651 arrested in Africa-wide crackdown on online scam networks
Authorities across 16 African nations have apprehended over 650 individuals suspected of cybercrime activities. Additionally, more than 4.3 million US dollars have been recovered in a significant international effort to combat online scams.
Authorities across 16 African nations have apprehended over 650 individuals suspected of cybercrime activities. Additionally, more than 4.3 million US dollars have been recovered in a significant international effort to combat online scams.
Named Operation Red Card 2.0, the initiative was spearheaded by INTERPOL and conducted from December 2025 to the end of January 2026. The operation focused on dismantling criminal networks involved in online investment fraud, mobile money scams, and fraudulent loan applications. These scams have impacted thousands of victims both within Africa and globally.
The fraudulent schemes have been linked to financial losses exceeding 45 million dollars worldwide. During the eight-week operation, authorities identified at least 1,247 victims and confiscated over 2,300 electronic devices utilized in executing the scams. Furthermore, more than 1,400 malicious websites, servers, and internet addresses were deactivated.
Authorities across 16 African nations have apprehended over 650 individuals suspected of cybercrime activities.
Arrests were made related to high-yield investment scams that deceived victims into investing in fraudulent opportunities via social media and messaging platforms. Fraudsters frequently used fake testimonials and counterfeit account dashboards to convince victims of growing investments, only to block withdrawal attempts. In Côte d'Ivoire, a mobile loan fraud network was dismantled. This network targeted vulnerable users through deceptive apps promising quick loans, often imposing hidden fees and collecting personal data unlawfully. Nigerian authorities arrested individuals from a cybercrime group accused of infiltrating a major telecom company's internal systems using stolen staff credentials. The suspects allegedly diverted airtime and data bundles for resale.
INTERPOL officials emphasize the operation's revelation of the expanding scope of organized cybercrime and underscore the necessity for enhanced international collaboration to address fraud networks operating across borders. Investigations continue in several participating countries.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
