Operation "Red Card 2.0," orchestrated by Interpol in partnership with 16 African countries, has just dealt a resounding blow to fraud networks. Conducted over a two-month period, this offensive led to the dismantling of sophisticated criminal structures operating primarily in Ivory Coast and Nigeria .

The operation's results in figures

The deployment of police forces has yielded impressive results:

1. 651 arrests made.
2. $4.3 million seized immediately.
3. $45 million in total estimated damages.
4. 1,247 victims officially recorded to date.

Varied and aggressive methods of operation

The investigation revealed two types of particularly structured fraud:

1. The "fake loan" scam (Ivory Coast): Networks used mobile applications to promise quick loans. In reality, these platforms served as a front to conceal exorbitant fees, illegally collect personal data, and harass users.
2. Technical infiltration (Nigeria): Cybercriminals successfully penetrated the internal systems of a major telecommunications operator. Using stolen credentials, they diverted phone credit and internet packages to resell on the black market.

A call for vigilance and reporting.

Despite the operation's success, Interpol believes the number of identified victims is only the "tip of the iceberg." The international organization urges anyone who has fallen victim to these scams to come forward to the authorities. These testimonies are crucial for strengthening legal cases and ultimately securing compensation for the harm suffered.

Note: Combating cybercrime remains a top priority in the region, where the rapid digitization of financial services is attracting increasingly organized networks.