On February 19, Interpol launched a significant operation against cybercrime in Africa, resulting in 650 arrests across 16 countries. This operation, dubbed "Carton Rouge 2.0," was aimed at dismantling major cybercriminal networks involved in extensive fraudulent activities. The police forces of participating nations worked together in a coordinated effort to address the growing threat of cybercrimes across the continent.

Hervé Bah, an expert in cybersecurity, provided insights into the operation, highlighting that the primary goal was to dismantle the infrastructures that support these criminal networks. The operation successfully targeted entities that had collectively defrauded victims of approximately 38 million euros. This significant monetary loss underscores the scale of cybercrime in Africa and the need for collaborative international efforts to combat it.

The implications of this operation extend beyond the immediate arrests made, as it reflects a growing recognition of the importance of cybersecurity in African nations. By coordinating with Interpol and law enforcement agencies across multiple countries, these nations are taking crucial steps towards enhancing their security measures and protecting their citizens from future cyber threats, thereby fostering a safer digital environment in Africa.