INTERPOL Dismantles Major Cybercrime Infrastructure in Global Operation
INTERPOL has announced the disruption of a massive cybercrime network after authorities shut down more than 45,000 malicious IP addresses and servers linked to phishing attacks, malware distribution, and ransomware operations.
The takedown was part of a coordinated global initiative involving law enforcement agencies from 72 countries and territories. The international effort resulted in 94 arrests, while investigators continue to examine another 110 suspects connected to the cybercrime activity.
During the operation, police also seized over 200 electronic devices and servers believed to have been used to run large-scale fraud and hacking campaigns.
Large Cybercrime Network Dismantled
The global enforcement action targeted criminals responsible for a wide range of online scams, including phishing attacks, identity theft, ransomware operations, and financial fraud schemes.
Investigators carried out raids at multiple locations worldwide to dismantle infrastructure used to carry out these cyber operations.
Authorities said the operation is part of INTERPOL’s ongoing strategy to disrupt organized cybercrime networks and protect victims from digital fraud.
Arrests and Seizures Across Multiple Countries
Several countries reported major breakthroughs during the coordinated investigation.
Bangladesh
Law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh arrested 40 suspects linked to cybercrime operations. Officers also confiscated 134 digital devices, including computers and mobile phones.
The suspects are believed to have been involved in several online fraud activities, including:
- Fake job offers
- Online loan scams
- Credit card fraud
- Identity theft schemes
Togo
In West Africa, authorities in Togo arrested 10 individuals suspected of running an online fraud ring from a residential property.
Investigators found that members of the group carried out different types of social engineering scams. Some hacked into victims’ social media accounts, while others used those accounts to run romance scams and sextortion schemes.
After gaining control of a victim’s account, the criminals would contact friends and family members pretending to be the account owner. They then manipulated these contacts into sending money.
Thousands of Fraud Websites Identified
In Macau, investigators uncovered more than 33,000 phishing and scam websites connected to fake online casinos and fraudulent services.
Many of these websites impersonated legitimate organizations such as banks, government agencies, and payment platforms. Victims were tricked into entering personal information or depositing funds into fraudulent accounts.
Operation Synergia Targets Global Cybercrime
The crackdown represents the third phase of INTERPOL’s Operation Synergia, a long-running initiative designed to identify and dismantle cybercrime infrastructure worldwide.
The most recent phase of the operation took place between July 18, 2025, and January 31, 2026.
Earlier phases conducted in 2023 and 2024 had already led to the discovery of thousands of malicious servers and the arrest of numerous cybercrime suspects.
India Investigates Major Investment Fraud Network
In a separate but related development, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a major probe into a large transnational online fraud scheme targeting thousands of victims.
Authorities carried out coordinated searches across 15 locations in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.
Investigators say the scheme revolved around fraudulent online investment and part-time job offers promoted through a Dubai-based fintech platform known as Pyypl.
According to the CBI, thousands of people were deceived into investing large amounts of money after being promised high profits from online trading or remote job opportunities.
How the Scam Operated
The fraud network allegedly used social media platforms, mobile apps, and encrypted messaging services to attract victims.
In many cases, victims were first asked to deposit a small amount of money. Fraudsters then showed fake profits on fraudulent websites to build trust.
Once the victim believed the scheme was legitimate, they were encouraged to invest larger sums.
After the deposits were made, the money was quickly transferred through multiple mule bank accounts to hide the transaction trail.
Laundering Money Through Crypto and Offshore Platforms
Authorities say the stolen funds were later withdrawn through international ATMs and offshore payment services.
Some of the money was converted into cryptocurrency, particularly USDT (Tether), through virtual asset exchanges.
Investigators discovered that the funds were eventually routed through accounts linked to 15 shell companies before being transferred to wallets controlled by the criminal syndicate.
Key Suspect Arrested
Indian authorities identified Ashok Kumar Sharma as one of the key individuals behind the operation. He has been taken into custody.
Several bank accounts used by the network have been frozen, and investigators seized digital records and documents related to the group’s activities.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to track additional members of the fraud syndicate.