Interpols Operation First Light has resulted in 5,800 arrests across 97 countries and the seizure of $293 million in illicit assets, marking one of the largest coordinated cybercrime crackdowns in history.
The operation targeted a wide range of cyber-enabled financial crimes including business email compromise, romance scams, investment fraud, and money laundering networks that move illicit proceeds through cryptocurrency and traditional banking channels. Police in Eswatini seized a replica of a Brazilian police station complete with fake uniforms and signage that cybercriminals allegedly used to deceive victims into believing they were dealing with legitimate authorities.
The scale of the operation underscores the global nature of cybercrime and the necessity of international law enforcement cooperation. Interpol coordinated simultaneous raids, asset seizures, and arrests across the participating countries, leveraging shared intelligence gathered over an 18-month investigation period. The operation involved local police, financial intelligence units, and cybersecurity agencies collaborating through Interpols Global Financial Crime Task Force.
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