INTERPOL Dismantles $45M African Cybercrime Ring, Recovers $4.3M in Stolen Funds
Law enforcement agencies across 16 African countries collaborated with INTERPOL to dismantle a sprawling cybercrime network responsible for investment scams, mobile money fraud, and fake loan applications. Operation Red Card 2.0, conducted from December 2025 to January 2026, resulted in 651 arrests and the recovery of $4.3 million. Investigators linked the ring to $45 million in losses and identified 1,247 victims, primarily in Africa but with global reach.
Authorities seized 2,341 electronic devices and shut down 1,442 malicious IP addresses, domains, and servers. INTERPOL provided real-time intelligence and digital forensics training to local officers, emphasizing the growing sophistication of financial cybercrime in emerging markets.