Global Crackdown on Romance Scams Nets $293M and Thousands Arrested

WHO:

Cointelegraph - Interpol is involved in the operation.

Techmeme - Law enforcement agencies from 97 countries participated in the operation.

WHAT:

Cointelegraph - The operation uncovered a suspect's crypto wallet that processed over $122.5 million in 10 months.

Techmeme - A total of 5,811 suspects were arrested and $293 million in illicit assets was seized during the operation.

WHERE:

Techmeme - The operation spanned across 97 countries.

WHEN:

Cointelegraph - The crypto wallet was linked to activities over a duration of 10 months.

WHY:

Techmeme - The operation aimed to combat social engineering scams and fraud.

HOW:

Cointelegraph - The scheme was uncovered during a global anti-fraud operation.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 11:57 UTC)

A massive global anti-fraud operation led by Interpol has resulted in the arrest of 5,811 suspects across 97 countries and the seizure of $293 million in illicit assets. The investigation uncovered a suspect's crypto wallet that processed over $122.5 million over a span of 10 months, highlighting the scale of social engineering scams and fraud being targeted. Law enforcement agencies from around the world joined forces to combat these criminal activities, demonstrating a united front against cybercrime.