Operation Red Card: Interpol's unified front against cybercrime in Africa
Law enforcement agencies around Africa joined hands together with Interpol in taking down a network of cybercriminals in a concerted effort. The crackdown, which was dubbed ‘Operation Red Card’, ran from November 2024 to February 2025 and resulted in over 5,000 victims who were drawn into mobile fraud, online casino and digital investment scams being identified along with 306 suspects being arrested.
These collaborative efforts signify that African nations acknowledge the necessity of coming together in the face of the threats posed by cybercrime on the gaming industry.
The spread of cybercrime in Africa
The results of Operation Red Card reveal the alarming spread of facilitated cybercrime across Africa. These criminal operations span across seven African countries; Rwanda, Zambia, Nigeria, and South Africa, using methods like mobile fraud and phishing to target victims. Neal Jetton, Interpol’s director of cybercrime, commented on these operations, noting that they have adverse effects on businesses and individuals. “Fraudsters know no borders and can devastate individuals and communities.”
Interpol noted the highest figures from the operation were in Nigeria, with 130 arrests, 113 of whom are foreign nationals. In a shocking turn of events, authorities also discovered that some of them are suspected to be victims of human trafficking. In South Africa, more than 1000 SIM cards and 53 computers were seized by authorities. Another 40 suspects have also been reportedly arrested. The number of electronic devices confiscated amounts to 1,800 in the countries involved, as well as assets such as real estate and vehicles, all of which have been reported by Interpol to be associated with criminal activities.
Collaboration as a strategy; Interpol in Africa
The accomplishment of Interpol’s operation serves as proof of the strength of international collaboration in combating cybercrime in Africa. Law enforcement in various nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin, closely cooperated with Interpol’s African Joint Operation (AFJOC) to apprehend these criminals. Understanding that cybersecurity threats tend to be borderless, these cooperative efforts are a testament to the transformation occurring in African law enforcement.
“The arrest of significant suspects and recovery of valuable equipment and assets sends a clear message to cybercriminals that they will not be tolerated,” Jetton said. This method of approach to crime provides valuable intelligence for use by law enforcement in the future and dismantles criminal networks.
African nations are keen to be more vigilant in protecting their digital landscape, and this operation is an indication of that. Nations that are participating in the fight against cybercrime that knows no bounds, are enforcing their capabilities to manage the complexities of the modern cyber ecosystem.
Interpol’s Operation Red Card has also paved the way for new collaborations among nations within and outside Africa. For instance, it was an important part of a more extensive partnership that included the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the African Development Bank Group, demonstrating the necessity for addressing financial crimes in today’s digital era.
Cybersecurity’s promising future
Operation Red Card serves as an excellent example of things that are possible through joint and collective action within the field of cyber security. International cooperation can bring about fruitful and effective outcomes. It has not only led to the immediate arrest of cyber criminals but has also set the stage for future preventive measures against cybercrime.
The experience gained from such operations will play a critical role in ensuring financial and cyber security in the future as the threat by cybercriminals continues to escalate. This operation can act as a potential model for similar operations globally. Operation Red Card is not only a success for those directly connected with it but also a source of inspiration in the worldwide battle against cybercrime.
Get the inside track on iGaming’s biggest stories with SiGMA’s Top 10 news countdown! From breaking headlines to exclusive insights, the world’s biggest iGaming community delivers a weekly newsletter designed to keep you ahead of the game. Subscribe HERE to stay informed and unlock subscriber-only offers!
