In a significant move against online fraud, police across 16 African nations have arrested over 650 suspected cybercriminals during a coordinated operation known as Operation Red Card 2.0, led by INTERPOL. This operation, which took place from December 2025 to January 2026, aimed to dismantle networks responsible for various online scams such as investment fraud, mobile money scams, and fraudulent loan applications that have affected thousands of individuals in Africa and beyond. In addition to arrests, law enforcement agencies recovered more than $4.3 million in stolen funds, highlighting the financial impact of these cybercrimes.

Operation Red Card 2.0 revealed the extensive scope of the online scam networks, which are reportedly linked to over $45 million in total global financial losses. Throughout the eight-week operation, authorities identified approximately 1,247 victims of these scams and seized over 2,300 electronic devices believed to have been used for such fraudulent activities. The police action also resulted in the closure of more than 1,400 malicious websites, servers, and internet addresses, effectively disrupting the operations of these cybercriminals.

These targeted operations are a response to a growing trend of online fraud that capitalizes on the increasing digitalization of financial transactions in the region. With social media and messaging apps serving as platforms for these scams, the crackdown shines a light on the necessity for improved digital security and consumer awareness in Africa. The arrests underscore the collaborative efforts of law enforcement across the continent to combat cybercrime and protect vulnerable populations from economic exploitation.