Ethical Hacking News
African law enforcement agencies have launched a major crackdown on investment fraud, mobile money scams, and fake loan applications, arresting 651 suspects and recovering over $4.3 million. This operation marks the latest effort by INTERPOL to combat transnational cybercrime.
African law enforcement agencies have arrested 651 suspects in a joint crackdown on investment fraud, mobile money scams, and fake loan applications.The operation has recovered over $4.3 million and identified 1,247 victims with financial losses of over $45 million.Authorities across 16 countries participated in the operation, seizing 2,341 devices and taking down 1,442 malicious websites, domains, and servers.The investigation was spearheaded by the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC) and targeted cybercrime operations linked to these crimes.Law enforcement agencies worldwide have seen success in combating transnational cybercrime through international cooperation.
In a significant operation, African law enforcement agencies have arrested 651 suspects and recovered over $4.3 million in a joint crackdown on investment fraud, mobile money scams, and fake loan applications. This is part of Operation Red Card 2.0, an INTERPOL-led initiative that has identified 1,247 victims between December 8 and January 30, resulting in financial losses of over $45 million.
The operation targeted cybercrime operations linked to these crimes, with authorities across 16 countries participating. In addition to the arrests, they seized 2,341 devices and took down 1,442 malicious websites, domains, and servers. This coordinated effort is a testament to the growing importance of international cooperation in combating transnational cybercrime.
The investigation was spearheaded by the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), which has been working tirelessly to disrupt cross-border cybercriminal networks. In Nigeria, police officers dismantled an investment fraud ring that was recruiting young people to run phishing, identity theft, and fake investment schemes, taking down over 1,000 fraudulent social media accounts in the process.
The Nigerian cybercrime gang that used stolen employee credentials to breach a major telecom provider was also brought to justice. Six members of this gang were arrested as part of this operation. In Kenya, 27 suspects were apprehended while investigating fraud networks that used social media and messaging platforms to lure victims into fake investment schemes.
Meanwhile, in Côte d'Ivoire, 58 suspects were arrested as part of a crackdown on predatory mobile loan apps that targeted victims with hidden fees and abusive debt-collection practices. This operation highlights the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to combat these organized cybercriminal syndicates, which inflict devastating financial and psychological harm on individuals, businesses, and entire communities.
According to Neal Jetton, head of INTERPOL's Cybercrime Directorate, "These organized cybercriminal syndicates inflict devastating financial and psychological harm on individuals, businesses, and entire communities with their false promises." He emphasized the importance of collaboration in combatting transnational cybercrime, encouraging all victims of cybercrime to reach out to law enforcement for help.
This is not the first INTERPOL operation targeting African cybercrime. Last year, African law enforcement arrested 306 suspects in the first stage of Operation Red Card, a joint operation targeting cross-border cybercriminal networks. In recent years, there have been numerous other operations disrupted or dismantled by INTERPOL, following Operations Serengeti and Africa Cyber Surge.
The growing threat of transnational cybercrime necessitates continued international cooperation and collaboration among law enforcement agencies to disrupt these networks and bring those responsible to justice. This operation serves as a beacon of hope for victims of cybercrime, demonstrating that there is strength in unity and a commitment to fighting against this global scourge.
African law enforcement agencies have launched a major crackdown on investment fraud, mobile money scams, and fake loan applications, arresting 651 suspects and recovering over $4.3 million. This operation marks the latest effort by INTERPOL to combat transnational cybercrime.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/African-Cybercrime-Crackdown-651-Suspects-Arrested-and-43-Million-Stolen-ehn.shtml
Published: Thu Feb 19 12:21:57 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
