INTERPOL’s Operation HAECHI resulted in the recovery of nearly $439 million associated with cyber fraud, spanning 40 countries, including India. The recovered funds included $342 million in government funds and $97 million in cash and virtual assets. The operation was carried out between April and August. This operation involved the collaboration of police and investigative agencies, leading to the blocking of more than 68,000 bank accounts and the freezing of nearly 400 crypto wallets. INTERPOL also seized approximately $16 million from crypto wallets.
The operation focused on seven types of cyber fraud: voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, money laundering linked to illegal online gambling, business email compromise, and e-commerce fraud. The Philippines saw investigations related to POGO activities. Macau, China, saw raids against gangs involved in fraud on mobile and online payment platforms. Brazil conducted operations to prevent electronic banking fraud. Portugal dismantled a gang stealing from social security funds, leading to the arrest of 45 suspects and the recovery of €228,000. Thailand prevented the theft of $6.6 million through business email scams. Malaysia seized dozens of laptops and SIM cards from scam gangs. A Korea-Dubai link saw the recovery and return of 6.6 billion KRW (approximately $3.91 million) through the I-GRIP system. The director of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, Theos Badege, acknowledged the operation as an exemplary illustration of international collaboration.