INTERPOL Operation Recovers $4.3M, Dismantles 16-Country Cybercrime Ring
INTERPOL-led Red Card 2.0 operation across 16 African nations, including Nigeria and Kenya, recovered $4.3 million and arrested 651 suspects targeting high-yield investment scams, mobile money fraud, and fake loan apps. The eight-week campaign dismantled 1,442 malicious infrastructure pieces and exposed $45 million in losses affecting 1,247 victims. Nigerian authorities broke a high-yield investment fraud ring recruiting youth for phishing and fake digital asset schemes, seizing 2,341 devices and shutting down 1,000 social media accounts. Kenyan authorities arrested 27 suspects using messaging apps and fake testimonials. Côte d'Ivoire saw 58 arrests for mobile loan fraud exploiting vulnerable populations. The operation, funded by UK and EU, involved cybersecurity partners like Trend Micro and TRM Labs.