INTERPOL has executed a major operation, recovering approximately $439 million linked to cyber fraud across 40 countries. This includes $342 million in government funds and $97 million in cash and virtual assets. The operation, conducted from April to August, saw law enforcement agencies block over 68,000 bank accounts and freeze around 400 crypto wallets. Furthermore, INTERPOL recovered $16 million from crypto wallets, suspected to be illicit funds generated through various cybercrimes.
Operation HAECHI VI targeted seven types of cyber fraud, including voice phishing and romance scams. The targeted fraudulent activities encompassed voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, money laundering linked to illegal online gambling, business email compromise, and e-commerce fraud. Significant actions were taken in several countries. The Philippines saw investigations related to POGO activities. Macau, China, witnessed raids against gangs involved in fraud on mobile and online payment platforms. Brazil conducted operations to prevent electronic banking fraud. Portugal dismantled a gang stealing from social security funds, leading to the arrest of 45 suspects and the recovery of €228,000. Thailand prevented the theft of $6.6 million through business email scams. Malaysia seized dozens of laptops and SIM cards from scam gangs. A Korea-Dubai link saw the recovery and return of 6.6 billion KRW (approximately $3.91 million) through the I-GRIP system. Director Theos Badege, of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, highlighted the operation as a prime example of global cooperation.