The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has announced the arrest of 306 individuals linked to cybercrime across seven African countries, with Nigeria recording the highest number of suspects.
The arrests were made between November 2024 and February 2025 as part of Operation Red Card, a coordinated effort to combat cyber-enabled fraud, including mobile banking scams, investment fraud, and messaging app scams. The operation uncovered over 1,500 victims.
“The arrests are part of Operation Red Card, conducted from November 2024 to February 2025, aimed at disrupting cross-border criminal networks causing significant harm to individuals and businesses,” Interpol said in a statement.
“Authorities in seven African countries have arrested 306 suspects and seized 1,842 devices in an international operation targeting cyberattacks and cyber-enabled scams.”
The countries involved in the operation were Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia, with security agencies in these nations sharing intelligence through Interpol to track and dismantle the criminal networks.
Nigeria Leads with 130 Arrests
Nigeria recorded the highest number of arrests, with 130 suspects taken into custody, including 113 foreign nationals. Many of those arrested were allegedly involved in various cyber scams and investment fraud schemes.
According to Interpol, Nigerian authorities uncovered criminal groups that recruited and trained young Nigerians, equipping them with digital tools and fake online profiles to carry out internet fraud.
“Nigerian police arrested 130 people, including 113 foreign nationals, for their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled scams such as online casino and investment fraud,” the statement read.
Interpol further revealed that some of the individuals working at these scam centres were victims of human trafficking, forced into cybercrime by criminal syndicates.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier launched a major crackdown in December 2024, exposing a large-scale internet fraud operation, commonly referred to as yahoo yahoo.
The investigation led to the seizure of 26 vehicles, 16 houses, 39 plots of land, and 685 devices linked to cybercrime activities.
Rwanda: 45 Arrested for Telecom Scams
In Rwanda, security operatives arrested 45 members of a syndicate involved in social engineering scams. These criminals impersonated telecommunications employees to gain access to victims’ sensitive information, which they used to hack into phones and bank accounts.
“Rwandan authorities arrested 45 members of a criminal network after they defrauded victims of over $305,000 in 2024 alone,” Interpol stated.
Authorities recovered $103,043 and seized 292 devices. Some of the scammers also posed as injured family members to trick victims into sending money.
South Africa: 40 Arrested for SIM Box Fraud
South African authorities detained 40 suspects in connection with a SIM box fraud scheme. The criminals converted international calls into local ones to bypass monitoring systems while also carrying out large-scale phishing attacks.
“Authorities arrested 40 individuals and seized more than 1,000 SIM cards, along with 53 desktops and towers, linked to a sophisticated SIM box fraud scheme,” Interpol confirmed.
The gang used these devices to send phishing SMS messages aimed at stealing victims’ personal and financial details.
Zambia: 14 Cybercriminals Busted for Phone Hacking
In Zambia, authorities arrested 14 individuals involved in hacking victims’ phones using malicious links. The hackers gained access to banking applications by sending infected messages, allowing them to control victims’ devices.
“For Zambia, officers caught 14 suspected members of a criminal syndicate that hacked into victims’ phones. This allowed hackers to take control of messaging accounts and gain access to banking apps,” the statement read.
The fraudsters also used hacked messaging platforms to spread malware by sharing malicious links in group chats and private conversations.
Interpol Strengthens Fight Against Cybercrime
“Operation Red Card” is part of Interpol’s ongoing efforts to combat transnational cybercrime, particularly scams that exploit digital platforms and financial systems.
Nigeria remains a hotspot for cyber-enabled fraud, prompting increased efforts by the EFCC and Interpol to tackle both the perpetrators and their operational networks.
The arrests highlight the growing complexity of cybercrime across Africa, with foreign nationals and potential human trafficking victims playing key roles in these illicit operations.
Interpol has vowed to continue working with African law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks and ensure justice for victims.
- Nigeria’s Inflation Falls to 18.02% in September - October 16, 2025
- Osimhen Fires Nigeria into 2026 World Cup African Playoffs - October 14, 2025
- FG Approves New Admission Criteria for Tertiary Institutions - October 14, 2025