Interpol "Red Notice Operation": Multiple African countries join forces to combat cyber fraud, arresting 306 individuals.

Recently, Interpol launched a large-scale transnational law enforcement operation codenamed "Red Card Action," in collaboration with police forces from several African countries, resulting in the arrest of 306 suspects involved in telecommunications fraud and cyber hacking crimes. The operation focused on investment fraud, banking Trojans, SMS phishing, and remote control of mobile phones.

It is reported that most of the suspects are fugitives from Southeast Asian fraud groups, particularly those who have moved from places like Myanmar to Africa. As the crackdown in Southeast Asia intensifies, the fraud industry chain is gradually infiltrating Africa and the Middle East.

The "Red Card Action" took place from November 2024 to February 2025, during which 1,842 devices used for fraud were seized, and over 5,000 victims were affected. Interpol collaborated closely with seven African countries (including Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, etc.) and international cybersecurity companies for in-depth intelligence cooperation.

Key achievements include:

Nigeria: 130 people were arrested, 113 of whom were foreigners, involved in telecommunications fraud and illegal online casinos;

South Africa: 40 people were arrested, and a large number of "cat pool" devices used for mass sending fraudulent SMS were seized;

Rwanda: A fraud gang posing as telecommunications employees was busted, with fraud amounting to over $300,000;

Zambia: A hacker gang that controlled malicious links and implanted Trojans was dismantled.

For a long time, Africa (especially Nigeria) has been a hotspot for BEC (Business Email Compromise) scams, with the "Nigerian Boy" style of fraud forming an industry chain through fake emails, Trojan emails, and fake procurement.

This "Red Card Action" shows that although the fraud groups have been dispersed in Southeast Asia, they are gradually rebuilding their positions in Africa. Future transnational crackdowns will not only focus on Asia but must also cover these emerging hotbeds of telecommunications fraud in Africa. International cooperation remains key to eradicating the forces of telecommunications fraud, a task that is still challenging and far-reaching.