Cybercrime Crackdown: 306 Arrested, 1,842 Devices Seized

Authorities in seven African countries have arrested 306 suspects and confiscated 1,842 devices in a large-scale international crackdown on cyber-enabled scams.

Between November 2024 and February 2025, Operation Red Card targeted cross-border fraud networks exploiting mobile banking, investment platforms, and messaging apps. The operation identified over 5,000 victims affected by these scams.

Nigeria saw many arrests, with 130 individuals—including 113 foreign nationals—apprehended for online scams and investment fraud. Authorities suspect that some individuals have been trafficked and coerced into cybercrime. Seized assets included 26 vehicles, 16 houses, and 685 electronic devices.

Police in South Africa dismantled a SIM box fraud scheme, arresting 40 suspects and confiscating 1,000 SIM cards and 53 desktop computers used for large-scale SMS phishing attacks.

Zambian authorities arrested 14 hackers who deployed malware-laced messages to hijack victims’ phones and banking apps.

In 2024, authorities in Rwanda apprehended 45 suspects linked to scams that stole over $305,000 by posing as telecom representatives or fake family members to access financial data. Officials recovered $103,043 and 292 electronic devices.

Interpol’s Neal Jetton, in a statement released on March 24, hailed the operation as a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime, emphasizing that criminals “will not go unpunished.”

The operation was backed by INTERPOL’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) and the UK Foreign Office, with additional support from cybersecurity firms Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro.

Other participating nations included Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. Officials stress that continued international cooperation is crucial in tackling the escalating threat of cyber fraud.