In a sweeping international operation to combat cyber-enabled scams, authorities across seven African nations arrested 306 suspects and seized 1,842 devices, striking a blow against sophisticated cross-border fraud networks.
Operation Red Card, conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, targeted criminal groups exploiting mobile banking, investment platforms, and messaging apps. The operation identified over 5,000 victims and uncovered a range of scams, from phishing attacks to investment fraud schemes.
Nigeria Leads the Crackdown
Nigeria accounted for the highest number of arrests, with police apprehending 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals involved in online scams and investment fraud. Authorities also uncovered evidence suggesting human trafficking, with some workers forced into cybercrime activities. Assets seized included 26 vehicles, 16 houses, and 685 electronic devices, underscoring the financial scale of these operations.
SIM Box Fraud Dismantled in South Africa
In South Africa, authorities dismantled a major SIM box fraud scheme, arresting 40 individuals. The group used over 1,000 SIM cards and 53 desktops to execute large-scale SMS phishing attacks, targeting unsuspecting victims and siphoning off funds through fraudulent transactions.
Zambia Takes Down Malware Hackers
Zambian police arrested 14 hackers who used malware-laden messages to hijack victims’ phones and banking apps. These attacks enabled criminals to access personal financial information and drain victims’ accounts.
Telecom Fraud Exposed in Rwanda
In Rwanda, authorities arrested 45 individuals for scams that defrauded victims of over $305,000. Fraudsters posed as telecom staff or impersonated family members to extract sensitive financial data. Police successfully recovered $103,043 and seized 292 electronic devices during the operation.
A United Front Against Cybercrime
INTERPOL hailed the operation as a significant step in the fight against cybercrime. Neal Jetton, an INTERPOL official, warned that criminals exploiting digital platforms “will not go unpunished.”
The operation was part of the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) and received support from the UK Foreign Office and leading cybersecurity firms, including Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro.
Broader Participation
Countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo also played crucial roles in the crackdown, demonstrating the power of regional and international collaboration in combating cyber fraud.
Continuing the Fight
Officials emphasized the need for ongoing partnerships and technological innovation to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals. As digital platforms become central to economic and personal transactions, the risk of cybercrime continues to rise, making such coordinated efforts vital.
This operation highlights the growing threat posed by cyber-enabled scams across Africa and the urgent need for sustained global cooperation to protect individuals and businesses.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
