Authorities Target Online Scams and Fraud Networks in Multi-Nation Operation
Authorities in seven African countries have arrested 306 suspects and seized 1,842 devices in a massive international crackdown on cyber-enabled scams. Operation Red Card, conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, focused on cross-border fraud networks exploiting mobile banking, investment platforms, and messaging apps, identifying over 5,000 victims.
Key Arrests and Seizures Across Africa
🔹 Nigeria:
The majority of arrests occurred in Nigeria, where 130 individuals—including 113 foreign nationals—were detained for online scams and investment fraud. Authorities suspect some workers were trafficked and forced into cybercrime. Seized items included 26 vehicles, 16 houses, and 685 electronic devices.
🔹 South Africa:
A SIM box fraud scheme was dismantled, leading to 40 arrests and the seizure of 1,000 SIM cards and 53 desktop computers used for large-scale SMS phishing attacks.
🔹 Zambia:
Police arrested 14 hackers accused of using malware-infected messages to hijack victims’ mobile phones and banking apps.
🔹 Rwanda:
Authorities arrested 45 suspects involved in scams that defrauded victims of over $305,000 by impersonating telecom staff and fake family members to steal financial data. Police recovered $103,043 and 292 devices.
Global Cooperation in the Fight Against Cybercrime
In a March 24, 2025 press statement, INTERPOL’s Neal Jetton praised the operation as a major step in tackling cybercrime, warning that criminals “will not go unpunished.” The operation, supported by INTERPOL’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) and the UK Foreign Office, was backed by cybersecurity firms such as Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro.
Other participating countries included Benin, CĂ´te d’Ivoire, and Togo. Officials stress that continued international collaboration is crucial in the ongoing battle against cyber fraud and financial scams.
Source: AfricaNews