The operation was preceded by an exchange of data from threat intelligence, enriched by INTERPOL and Kaspersky, which shared results from an analysis of a malicious Android app targeting African users.
Conducted from November 2024 to February 2025, the operation was part of INTERPOL's 'African Joint Operation against Cybercrime' (AFJOC) and involved authorities from Benin, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo and Zambia.
This action, which involved seven African countries, focused on crimes related to mobile banking, investments and fraudulent messaging application schemes.
Cybercrime cases identified in Operation Red Card have resulted in more than 5.000 victims. In Nigeria, police arrested 130 people, including 113 foreigners, for cyber fraud. In Zambia, 14 suspects were arrested for hacking mobile phones by sending malicious hyperlinks.
In Rwanda, 45 members of a criminal network were arrested for social engineering schemes that defrauded victims of more than $305.000. In South Africa, 40 individuals were arrested, and more than 1.000 SIM cards and computers were seized in a fraud scheme.
Neal Jetton, Director of INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate, said the success of the operation highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. Yuliya Shlychkova from Kaspersky Lab said Operation Red Card is an example of how collaboration between private companies and law enforcement agencies can strengthen cyber resilience in the region.
Kaspersky recalls, in a statement, that it has a history of collaboration with INTERPOL and has supported initiatives to promote a cyber-secure environment in Africa.
