Interpol, in collaboration with Police forces across sixteen African nations, reported Thursday that it has arrested 651 individuals in a two-month operation targeting major cybercrime networks, which extorted nearly €38 million from hundreds of victims.
Dubbed Operation “Red Card 2.0,” the crackdown also seized $4.3 million, though damages are estimated at over $45 million.
Criminals exploited telecommunications platforms in Nigeria, defrauded small investors via social media in Kenya, and imposed excessive fees through quick-loan schemes in Ivory Coast, where 58 suspects were apprehended.
Only 1,200 victims have been identified so far, prompting Interpol to urge others affected to report. Authorities report that one in three crimes in Africa is now linked to cybercrime, with networks dismantled in Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.
Neal Jetton, Interpol’s cybercrime director, stressed the “devastating financial and psychological damage” caused to both individuals and businesses.