Police forces from 61 countries have united in a groundbreaking effort to dismantle online scam networks through Operation First Light 2024. Coordinated by Interpol, this operation has resulted in the arrest of 3950 suspects and the identification of 14,643 more individuals involved in various online scams.
One of the major achievements of Operation First Light 2024 is the freezing of 6745 bank accounts and the seizure of assets worth a staggering $257 million. This has significantly disrupted transnational organized crime networks engaged in phishing, investment fraud, fake online shopping sites, and romance and impersonation scams.
During the operation, law enforcement authorities were able to intercept approximately $135 million in fiat currency and $2 million in cryptocurrency. Additionally, over $120 million worth of assets, including real estate, luxury vehicles, and high-value jewelry, were confiscated from the perpetrators of these online scams.
The success of Operation First Light 2024 was evident in various regions around the world. In Hong Kong, multiple suspects were apprehended, while in Brazil, the Federal Police seized luxury items like jewelry and electronics. In Namibia, authorities were able to dismantle a sophisticated international scam network in the capital city, rescuing 88 youths who were forced into conducting scams. Furthermore, 163 computers and 350 mobile phones were seized in this operation.
Interpol’s General Secretariat headquarters played a pivotal role in analyzing data from seized devices and supporting local police efforts in countries like Namibia. The operation also made use of Interpol’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism to trace and intercept illicit proceeds, leading to the recovery of significant sums of money in various instances.
Dr. Isaac Kehinde Oginni, Director of Interpol’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre (IFCACC), highlighted the broader impact of Operation First Light 2024 beyond just financial metrics. He stated, “The results of this global police operation are more than just numbers – they represent lives protected, crimes prevented, and a healthier global economy worldwide.”
First Light operations have been ongoing since 2014, coordinated by Interpol to enhance international cooperation in combating social engineering and telecom fraud. The latest operation was funded by China’s Ministry of Public Security, which hosted the concluding meeting in Tianjin. This meeting brought together participating countries to analyze results, share intelligence, and plan future operations.
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