Between December 2025 and January 2026, Africa witnessed one of its largest law enforcement operations against transnational cybercrime. Coordinated by Interpol and named "Red Card 2.0," this extensive initiative involved security agencies from 16 African countries and resulted in the arrest of 651 suspects and the seizure of more than $4.3 million. Authorities also confiscated 2,341 electronic devices and disabled 1,442 websites, domains, and servers associated with fraudulent activities. This operation is viewed as a critical blow to digital fraud networks operating within the continent.

The eight-week investigation uncovered fraud schemes that led to estimated losses of around $45 million, identifying over 1,200 victims, primarily from Africa. The crackdowns particularly targeted the surge of common financial fraud types prevalent in the region, such as high-yield investment scams and mobile money service fraud. The success of this operation highlights the growing commitment of African nations to combat cybercrime and protect their citizens from digital fraud.

In addition to the immediate arrests and seizures, the operation is expected to have far-reaching implications for cybercrime prevention efforts in Africa. By bringing together resources and intelligence sharing between nations, this initiative not only tackles current threats but also establishes a framework for future collaboration. The cross-border nature of cybercrime means that such coordinated efforts are vital for dismantling the networks that exploit vulnerabilities and inflict significant financial harm on victims across the continent.