INTERPOL Crackdown Leads to Arrest of 27 Kenyans in Major Online Fraud Operation
In a significant blow to transnational cybercrime networks, INTERPOL has reported the detention of 27 individuals from Kenya as part of a broad African initiative against digital fraud.
The coordinated effort, known as Operation Red Card 2.0, spanned from December 8, 2025, to January 30, 2026, and involved police forces from 16 African nations. It specifically targeted schemes involving phony investment opportunities, fraudulent mobile money transactions, and bogus digital loan programs that preyed on unsuspecting victims.
The suspects in Kenya allegedly employed messaging platforms, social media channels, and fabricated success stories to entice people into fake investment ventures tied to reputable international companies. Victims were typically encouraged to make modest initial deposits—often around $50 (approximately Ksh 6,400)—with assurances of substantial profits. Scammers displayed phony account interfaces and growth reports to build trust, but any attempts to cash out were deliberately obstructed, resulting in significant financial harm to over 1,200 victims continent-wide and beyond, with total losses surpassing $45 million (equivalent to more than Ksh 5.8 billion).
The wider operation yielded 651 arrests across the participating countries, the recovery of over $4.3 million in illicit funds, the seizure of more than 2,300 electronic devices, and the disabling of over 1,400 harmful servers, domains, and IP addresses. INTERPOL officials highlighted the severe economic and emotional damage caused by these organized groups, stressing the importance of continued global cooperation and urging victims to come forward to aid in dismantling these syndicates. Investigations remain active, with expectations of additional apprehensions and asset recoveries.
