A comprehensive international operation targeting cybercrime related to online fraud has resulted in the arrest of 651 suspects and the recovery of approximately $4.3 million. This initiative, dubbed "Red Card Operation 2.0", was conducted between December 8, 2025, and January 30, 2026, focusing on the infrastructure and actors behind high-return investment scams, mobile money fraud, and bogus digital loan requests. The operation was a collaborative effort involving law enforcement agencies from 16 African nations, supported by Interpol.

During the eight-week operation, investigations unveiled scams that resulted in financial losses exceeding $45 million, identifying 1,247 victims, primarily from African countries, but also from other regions globally. Various digital crime syndicates were disrupted, with authorities seizing 2,341 electronic devices and halting 1,442 malicious IP addresses, as well as domains and servers associated with criminal activities. The scale of this crackdown highlights the growing threat of digital fraud across Africa and the need for coordinated international response.

The implications of this operation extend beyond immediate arrests; they underscore the necessity for enhanced digital security measures and the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. As online scams become increasingly sophisticated, it is critical for nations, especially in Africa, to bolster their technological defenses and foster public awareness campaigns that educate citizens about the dangers of phishing and digital fraud. This initiate is a vital step towards creating a safer online environment.