$293 million seized and 5,811 arrests made in huge anti-scam and fraud action by Interpol and law enforcement agencies across 97 countries

Operation First Light 2026 Concludes

After more than three months, Interpol says Operation First Light 2026 is now concluded. The operation spanned 97 countries, leading to 5,811 arrests, $239 million seized, and 31,014 bank accounts blocked.

Authorities analyzed 152,808 cases, identified 15,606 suspects, and uncovered scams ranging from business email compromise to money laundering, with victims exceeding 142,000 globally.

Key Statistics

• Arrests: 5,811 individuals
• Assets seized: $239 million in illicit assets
• Bank accounts blocked: 31,014
• Cases analyzed: 152,808
• Suspects identified: 15,606
• Notices and Diffusions issued: 99
• Victims identified globally: More than 142,000

Notable Busts

In one particularly brazen campaign, police in Eswatini seized a "realistic replica of a Brazilian police station, complete with fake uniforms, signage and equipment." Interpol explained that "posing as Brazil's Federal Police via video call, the scammers deceived their targets into believing they were victims of a crime, tricking them into transferring funds for 'safekeeping,' which were then stolen." In this instance, police arrested 82 people and seized 240 electronic devices.

Two people were arrested in Thailand, including a 20-year-old man who allegedly processed more than $122.5 million in various cryptocurrencies in 10 months.

Authorities in Palau deported 22 individuals for their role in two connected scam centers being conducted from hotels.

Operational Details

Interpol kicked off Operation First Light 2026 on January 15 and concluded it on April 30, 2026. Following an "initial period" of gathering intelligence and exchanging it among partners, police forces in 97 countries and territories started raiding premises, seizing digital equipment and cash, and arresting suspects.

Cases varied from money laundering, to scams and identity theft, to business email compromise, and more. Interpol did not dismantle a single global operation here.