By Our Reporter
LAGOS (CONVERSEER) – An international crackdown coordinated by Interpol has resulted in the arrest of 651 suspects and the seizure of more than $4.3 million across 16 African nations as part of a major effort to combat cybercrime and transnational financial fraud.
The operation code-named “Red Card 2.0” was carried out between December 8, 2025, and January 30, 2026, bringing together law enforcement agencies from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Benin, Gambia, Chad, and others.
Investigators uncovered scams responsible for estimated losses exceeding $45 million, identified 1,247 victims, seized over 2,300 electronic devices, and shut down more than 1,400 malicious IP addresses, domains, and servers.
The initiative targeted investment fraud, mobile money scams, and fraudulent digital loan schemes.
According to Neal Jetton, Director of Interpol’s Cybercrime Directorate, the coordinated effort dealt a significant blow to organised criminal networks that cause severe financial and psychological harm.
In Nigeria, authorities dismantled a syndicate recruiting young individuals for phishing, identity theft, and fake investment operations, leading to the removal of more than 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts and additional arrests linked to telecom system breaches.
Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire reported 58 arrests tied to mobile loan scams, while Kenya detained 27 suspects involved in online messaging fraud.
Conducted under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), the operation received backing from the European Union, the Council of Europe’s GLACY-e project, and private cybersecurity partners.
(WAVN)
