Chinese-Funded Interpol Operation Nets 5,800 Arrests and $293M in Seized Assets

Global cybercrime bust nets 5,811 arrests, disrupts social engineering scams, and intercepts $293M in illicit assets across 97 countries.

By Content Team

Jul 9, 2026

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A massive global cybercrime sweep has wrapped up with 5,811 arrests and $293 million in intercepted illicit assets. Operation First Light 2026 ran from January 15 to April 30, 2026, pulling in law enforcement from 97 countries under Interpol's coordination — with funding from China's Ministry of Public Security.

The operation targeted social engineering scams like romance fraud and business email compromise schemes. Authorities froze over 31,000 bank accounts, identified 15,606 suspects, and uncovered 142,000 victims worldwide. One standout bust in Eswatini revealed scammers running a full replica Brazilian police station — fake uniforms and all — to trick victims into transferring money.

Source: Infosecurity Magazine

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