Operation Contender 3.0: A Major Crackdown on Cyber Scams in Africa

Coordinated Efforts Against Cyber Crime

In a significant move to combat rising cybercrime across Africa, authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected scammers in a coordinated, international law enforcement operation known as Operation Contender 3.0. Supported by UK funding and Interpol assistance, this operation marks a crucial step in tackling the troubling rise of digital fraud on the continent.

Scope of the Operation

Operation Contender 3.0 was expansive, targeting criminal networks that exploit digital platforms, particularly social media, to perpetrate scams. Investigators zeroed in on various forms of cyber fraud, prominently featuring romance scams. In these schemes, criminals build fictitious relationships online to extract money from unsuspecting victims. Another troubling trend highlighted during the operation was sextortion, where scammers blackmail individuals using private images.

Scale of the Arrests

The operation saw the arrest of 260 individuals across 14 African countries, including prominent nations like Ghana, Kenya, and Angola. These captures came in the wake of reported losses linked to these scams, estimated at an astonishing $2.8 million. Interpol identified over 1,400 victims tied to the scams, underscoring the significant impact of cyber fraud on individuals and communities.

Rising Cyber Crime in Africa

Research and data indicate that Africa is witnessing a dramatic surge in cybercrime, fueled by the rapid growth of digital technology in the region. As access to the internet and social media expands, so do the tactics employed by scammers, making this a pressing issue for both law enforcement and the general public.

Historical Context of Enforcement

This isn’t the first time Interpol has collaborated with local authorities for operations targeting cybercrime. Back in March 2025, for instance, the International Police reported arresting over 300 suspects in similar initiatives aimed at disrupting and dismantling criminal networks. These efforts included major operations targeting mobile banking and messaging app scams.

International Cooperation and Intelligence Sharing

Such operations depend heavily on international cooperation. The collaborative nature of these arrests illustrates the importance of sharing criminal intelligence across borders. Interpol provided vital information on the operational methods of these scammers, enabling authorities in various countries to coordinate effectively.

Breakdown of Involved Nations

The nations participating in previous initiatives, like Operation Red Card, included Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, and Zambia. In this operation, law enforcement agencies arrested 306 suspects and confiscated numerous cybercrime-related devices.

Targeted Crimes and Victim Impact

The operations primarily target scams involving mobile banking and investment schemes. One major revelation was the discovery of more than 1,500 victims, who fell prey to sophisticated phishing tactics and fraud.

High-Profile Cases and Bounties

Prominent cases have also drawn international attention, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announcing a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a fugitive identified as Olumide Adebiyi Adediran, accused of multiple charges including bank fraud. His case exemplifies the evolving nature of cybercrime and the challenges investigators face in apprehending suspects.

Regional Law Enforcement Responses

In another notable instance, Ghana’s law enforcement agencies recently took significant action by arresting a suspect named Kayode, following a U.S. extradition request. The collaborative efforts of Ghanaian authorities in this case highlight the growing trend of nations working together to tackle cross-border criminal networks.

The Scammer’s Playbook

Scammers often employ various tactics to lure victims. For instance, they may pose as high-ranking executives to gain credibility and coax money from targeted individuals or businesses. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods used by these fraudsters, making awareness and education critical in preventing such scams.

This ongoing battle against cybercrime remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies across Africa and globally, as they strive to protect citizens from increasingly sophisticated threats in the digital landscape. The collaboration seen in operations like Contender 3.0 reflects a commitment to addressing these serious challenges head-on.