In a major crackdown on cybercrime in Africa, more than 300 suspects were arrested across seven countries. The international effort, known as Operation Red Card, targeted criminal groups behind large-scale scams.
Led by Interpol, the operation ran from November 2024 to February 2025. It focused on hacking groups using mobile banking fraud, investment scams, and messaging app traps to deceive victims.
Authorities in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia worked together. In total, they arrested 306 suspects, seized 1,842 devices, and recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars. Interpol revealed that over 5,000 individuals and businesses fell victim to these cyber schemes.
Nigeria Leads in Arrests and Seizures
Nigeria reported the highest number of arrests, detaining 130 suspects. Shockingly, 113 of them were foreign nationals involved in online casino fraud, fake investments, and other digital scams.
During the raid, Nigerian authorities seized 685 electronic devices, 26 vehicles, 16 houses, and 39 plots of land linked to illegal activities. Investigators suspect some of the accused were victims of human trafficking, forced to work in scam centers across different languages.
Sophisticated SIM Box Fraud Uncovered in South Africa
South Africa’s police uncovered an advanced SIM box fraud ring. Officers arrested 40 people and confiscated 53 desktop computers and over 1,000 SIM cards. This setup allowed scammers to reroute calls and avoid detection, making their operations harder to trace.
Rwanda Busts Social Engineering Scam Network
In Rwanda, 45 individuals were arrested for running a cybercrime ring that used social engineering tactics. These scammers tricked victims by pretending to be telecom workers offering fake jackpot prizes or injured relatives seeking urgent help.
Authorities seized 292 devices and recovered over $100,000. However, losses caused by the group in 2024 exceeded $300,000. They gained access to victims’ mobile banking accounts by convincing them to share sensitive information.
Zambian Hackers Use Malware to Hijack Phones
Zambia’s law enforcement also made significant progress. They arrested 14 people operating a phone hacking network. The group sent malicious links through messages, infecting victims’ phones with malware.
Once they gained control, the hackers accessed mobile banking apps and messaging platforms. They then used the stolen accounts to send the harmful link to more contacts, spreading the attack further.
Cybersecurity Firms Join Forces with Law Enforcement
Throughout the operation, Interpol worked closely with cybersecurity experts. Global firms like Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro provided threat intelligence that helped track down the cybercriminals.
This international cooperation highlights the increasing threat of cybercrime in Africa. Criminals are blending human trafficking with advanced digital scams, creating complex networks that are harder to dismantle.
Africa’s Cybercrime Problem Grows More Complex
Operation Red Card exposed how deeply cybercrime has penetrated the continent. From mobile fraud to social engineering, criminals are finding new ways to exploit technology.
Interpol stressed that tackling cybercrime in Africa requires stronger partnerships and continuous intelligence sharing. Without it, thousands more could fall victim to these growing digital threats.
