In a significant international effort, INTERPOL, in collaboration with 40 countries including India, has recovered approximately $439 million tied to cyber fraud. The funds recovered include $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 approximately 400 crypto wallets. INTERPOL also recovered $16 million in suspected illicit funds from crypto wallets.
Operation HAECHI VI targeted seven different cyber fraud schemes, including voice phishing and romance scams. The specific types of fraud addressed included voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, money laundering linked to illegal online gambling, business email compromise, and e-commerce fraud. 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. INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre’s director, Theos Badege, praised the operation as a strong example of global cooperation.