INTERPOL’s recent crackdown on transnational cybercrime in Africa has resulted in a major breakthrough, with 651 arrests and over $4.3 million recovered across 16 countries, including Nigeria and Kenya. The operation, dubbed “Red Card 2.0,” targeted high-yield investment scams, mobile money fraud, and fraudulent loan applications, which have caused losses exceeding $45 million.
In Nigeria, authorities dismantled a high-yield investment fraud ring that recruited young individuals to commit cyber-enabled crimes using phishing, identity theft, and fake digital asset schemes. Over 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts were taken down, and a residential property used as the syndicate’s operational hub was uncovered.
Kenya also saw significant action, with 27 arrests linked to scams using messaging apps, social media, and fake testimonials to lure victims into bogus investments. Scammers enticed targets with small initial investments, promising high returns, but blocked withdrawal requests.
Other countries involved in the operation included Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The effort was supported by INTERPOL’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
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