INTERPOL's Operation Red Card scores big against African cybercrime with Kaspersky support

In a major victory against transnational cybercrime, INTERPOL's Operation Red Card has led to the arrest of 306 suspects across seven African nations, dismantling sophisticated fraud networks that targeted thousands of victims through mobile banking scams, investment fraud, and social engineering schemes. Cybersecurity leader Kaspersky played a pivotal role by providing critical threat intelligence that helped law enforcement identify and track cybercriminal operations. 

Conducted from November 2024 to February 2025 under INTERPOL’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), Operation Red Card brought together police forces from Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia. The operation recovered 1,842 electronic devices and exposed scams that had defrauded over 5,000 victims. 

Kaspersky contributed analysis of malicious Android apps targeting African users, along with infrastructure data that helped map criminal networks. This intelligence, combined with INTERPOL’s operational coordination, enabled precise strikes against high-value targets. 

"Operation Red Card proves that cybercrime has no borders—but neither does justice," said Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Director. "By uniting global expertise, we’ve delivered a clear warning to criminals exploiting digital platforms." 

Yuliya Shlychkova, Kaspersky’s VP of Global Public Affairs, emphasized the need for ongoing alliances: "Africa’s cyber threats demand shared solutions. Our work with INTERPOL and AFRIPOL shows how private-sector insights can empower law enforcement to build a safer digital future." 

The operation marks the latest milestone in Kaspersky’s longstanding collaboration with INTERPOL, including prior support for Africa Cyber Surge initiatives and a formal partnership with AFRIPOL to combat regional cyber threats. As fraud tactics evolve, such alliances highlight the critical role of real-time threat data in staying ahead of criminals. 

With over 300 offenders now facing prosecution, Operation Red Card sets a powerful precedent for cross-border cybercrime enforcement—and a safer digital ecosystem for Africa.