As crypto crimes intensify, a global anti-fraud operation coordinated by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has uncovered the growing role of digital assets in financial crimes. This led to the seizure of approximately $293 million in illicit assets.
In a recent report by INTERPOL, the agency also exposed a crypto wallet that processed over $122.5 million in suspicious transactions. Meanwhile, the news came as the apex crypto asset, Bitcoin (BTC), struggles to maintain a $63,000 price level.
Global Crackdown Targets Crypto Crime
The operation, known as Operation First Light 2026, combined law enforcement agencies from 97 countries and territories to combat social engineering scams and the money laundering networks that support them. According to the report, the operation ran from January 15 to April 30 this year, which ultimately resulted in 5,811 arrests. Additionally, authorities have identified over 15,600 suspects.
Together, they solved more than 23,700 cases and blocked over 31,000 bank accounts linked to criminal activities. The report also disclosed that 142,000 victims of fraud were identified, showing the global scale of crypto-related scams.
In a similar case, Thai police uncovered a money laundering network connected to romance scams, one of the most popular tactics used by bad actors. According to investigators, the group made it difficult to trace by converting stolen funds into different crypto assets. Subsequently, they use cross-chain token swaps to hide the assets’ movement across multiple blockchain networks.
Crypto Wallet Processed $122.5M in Illicit Funds
One of the biggest discoveries involved a 20-year-old suspect whose crypto wallet processed approximately over $122.5 million within just 10 months. The case highlights how criminals are increasingly using crypto assets and blockchain technology to move and conceal illegal funds.
Per the update, with the help of international cooperation, the operation has shown an improvement in the fight against crypto crimes. Authorities used INTERPOL’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) system to quickly block suspicious transactions.
In another separate crypto-related investigation, Palau authorities deported 22 individuals accused of running scam hubs that used crypto and illegal gambling websites to target victims in several countries. The case shows how the combination of digital assets with online scams can be used for fraud.
Ephraim Emmanuel | July 7, 2026
Jonathan Agozie | July 3, 2026
