Interpol Arrests Over 300 for Cyber Crimes in Africa

Executive Summary

Operation Red Card targeted cyber-enabled scams, including online fraud, SIM card scams, and malware distribution across seven African nations. These cybercrimes posed significant financial risks, leading to fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access to banking accounts. Victims suffered monetary losses, data breaches, and potential exploitation through human trafficking. Authorities mitigated these threats by arresting 306 suspects, dismantling cybercriminal networks, and seizing illicit assets. Law enforcement agencies also disrupted phishing operations to prevent further financial fraud, and rescued individuals coerced into criminal activities. Implementing strong cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication, phishing awareness training, and secure digital infrastructure, is essential to prevent future cyber threats.

Background

​Operation Red Card, coordinated by INTERPOL from November 2024 to February 2025, was a significant international law enforcement initiative targeting cyber-enabled crimes across seven African countries [1].  Law enforcement agencies from Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Rwanda were involved in the coordination and arrests made in this multi-country operation.The Sting was carried out by Interpol’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) which is funded by the United Kingdom to combat cyber crimes in Africa [3].  Collaboration with private sector entities Kaspersky and Group-IB, was instrumental in providing threat intelligence and technical expertise.

In Nigeria, authorities apprehended 130 suspects including 113 foreign nationals  linked to online casino and investment fraud schemes, seizing assets and electronic devices. South African law enforcement arrested 40 individuals and confiscated over 1,000 SIM cards associated with a sophisticated SIM card fraud operation. The rouge operation rerouted international calls as local ones, facilitating large-scale SMS phishing attacks. In Zambia, officers detained 14 suspects believed to be part of a syndicate that compromised mobile devices by distributing malware through malicious links [2]. Rwandan authorities arrested 45 individuals involved in social engineering scams that defrauded victims of over $300,000 in 2024. The success of Operation Red Card underscores the effectiveness of international collaboration in combating cybercrime. It also highlights the need for continuous efforts to strengthen cybersecurity measures and public awareness to protect individuals and organizations from evolving digital threats.

Impact

Over 5,000 victims were identified, with authorities seizing hundreds of electronic devices, vehicles, and properties linked to criminal operations [4]. The crackdown significantly weakened investment fraud schemes, SIM card fraud networks, and malware distribution rings. Law enforcement agencies rescued several individuals coerced into cybercrime, highlighting human trafficking links within these operations. The operation reinforced the importance of international cooperation in combating digital threats and set a precedent for future cybercrime enforcement efforts in Africa.  

Mitigation

Authorities implemented mitigation strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks and strengthening cybersecurity measures. Law enforcement agencies collaborated to arrest key perpetrators and disrupt infrastructure used in fraudulent operations. Governments and cybersecurity organizations emphasized the need for enhanced digital security practices and increased public awareness campaigns. Officials worked to support and rehabilitate individuals coerced into cybercriminal activities, addressing the human trafficking aspect of these crimes. Continued investment in cybersecurity education, international intelligence-sharing, and stricter digital fraud regulations are essential to preventing similar threats.

Relevance

Cybercrime is a growing global threat that affects individuals, businesses and governments. Operations like Red Card are crucial to safeguarding financial and digital security. Cybercriminals will continue to exploit vulnerabilities leading to financial losses and compromise critical infrastructure without effective intervention. Mitigation strategies such as strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and international cooperation are strongly encouraged. Mitigation steps help reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks and build public confidence in online transactions. By prioritizing mitigation, societies can promote a safer digital environment and create a resilient global cybersecurity ecosystem.

References

[1] Anewuoh, J. (2025, March 24). Interpol’s Operation Red Card: 306 Cybercriminals Arrested Across Africia. TopTech. https://toptechgh.com/interpols-operation-red-card-306-cybercriminals-arrested-across-africa/?utm_

[2] Constanantinescu, V. (2025, March 25). More Than 300 Suspects Arrested in African Cybercrime Rings Crackdown. Bitdefender. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/more-than-300-suspects-arrested-in-african-cybercrime-rings-crackdown?utm

[3] Interpol (2025, March 24). More than 300 arrests as African countries clamp down on cyber threats. Interpol. News and Events. https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2025/More-than-300-arrests-as-African-countries-clamp-down-on-cyber-threats

[4] Lakshmanan, R. (2025, March 25). Interpol Arrests 306 suspects, Seizes 1842 Devices in Cross-Border Cybercrime Bust. The Hacker News. https://thehackernews.com/2025/03/interpol-arrests-306-suspects-seizes.html