A major international crackdown on digital fraud has led to the arrest of hundreds of suspects across Africa, including dozens in Kenya, as authorities move to dismantle sophisticated investment scams.
The coordinated sweep, dubbed Operation Red Card 2.0, took place between 8 December 2025 and 30 January 2026.
Led by Interpol, the mission targeted criminal hubs across 16 African nations, resulting in a total of 651 arrests and the recovery of more than $4.3 million in stolen funds.
The ‘Small Investment’ Trap
In Kenya alone, law enforcement officials apprehended 27 individuals linked to elaborate fraud schemes.
These syndicates reportedly utilised social media, messaging apps, and forged testimonials to trick victims into investing in what appeared to be reputable global corporations.
The methodology was deceptively simple: scammers would solicit initial payments as low as $50 (KES 6,500), promising lucrative returns.
While victims were shown fabricated dashboards displaying growing profits, the reality was far bleaker.
“Scammers solicited small initial investments… with claims of lucrative returns,” Interpol stated. “Victims were shown fabricated account statements or dashboards but withdrawal requests were systematically blocked”.
A Growing Continental Threat
This latest crackdown is part of a broader initiative under the African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC).
It follows several high-profile successes, including Operation Serengeti and Operation Sentinel, as authorities ramp up pressure on transnational gangs.
The scale of the problem is highlighted in Interpol’s June 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report.
According to the study, two-thirds of surveyed African member countries now classify cybercrime as a “medium-to-high” proportion of their total crime cases.
With vital sectors such as banking and energy increasingly under fire, Interpol has pledged “hands-on support” for targeted nations.
Furthermore, the success of the operation underscores the necessity of a united front against digital threats.
Neal Jetton, Interpol’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, emphasised that these results were only possible through cross-border cooperation.
“Operation Red Card highlights the importance of collaboration when combatting transnational cybercrime,” Mr Jetton said. “I encourage all victims of cybercrime to reach out to law enforcement for help”.