INTERPOL conducts Operation Red Card against online fraud and cyberattacks
Large-scale operation in Africa
From November 2024 to February 2025, INTERPOL conducted the international operation Red Card, aimed at combating cyber fraud and illegal online gambling.
As a result, 306 people were arrested in 7 African countries: Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Total confiscated:
- 1,842 devices
- 26 vehicles
- 16 houses
- 39 plots of land
The operation uncovered cyber fraud schemes related to investment platforms, mobile banking, and phishing emails.
Key Arrests
Nigeria: Investment and Gambling Schemes
The Nigerian police arrested 130 people, including 113 foreigners. They were involved in illegal investment and online gambling platforms available in multiple languages. Funds were withdrawn via cryptocurrency to conceal traces. Some detainees were victims of human trafficking.
South Africa: SIM Cards and Phishing Attacks
In South Africa, 40 people were arrested, and 1,000 SIM cards were seized. Criminals used them to send phishing messages and operate SIM box fraud—a scheme that redirects international calls to local networks.
Zambia: Malicious Applications
In Zambia, 14 people were detained for spreading malicious links. Clicking on these links led to the download of malware onto smartphones, gaining access to victims’ banking data. Additionally, fraudsters used compromised accounts to spread malicious messages to the victim’s contacts.
Rwanda: Social Engineering
In Rwanda, 45 individuals involved in social engineering were arrested. They fraudulently gained access to mobile banking accounts by posing as telecom company employees or relatives in distress.
| Year | Damage | Recovered |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $305,000 | $103,000 |
International Cooperation and Technology
Operation Red Card was conducted with the participation of private companies such as Group-IB, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro, which provided cyber intelligence data. During the preparation, countries exchanged information on key figures, and INTERPOL analyzed their operational schemes. The operation was part of the AFJOC (African Joint Operation against Cybercrime) initiative, funded by the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
Operation Red Card demonstrated the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. Arrests and asset seizures strike a blow to criminal organizations, while modern technologies help uncover their schemes. Similar operations will continue in the future to reduce cyber fraud threats in Africa and beyond.