Interpol’s global cybercrime crackdown has frozen 68,000 bank accounts and seized ₹36,000 crore ($439 million) in stolen assets worldwide. India, a leader in digital payments, played a key role in Operation HAECHI VI, which dismantled international fraud networks between April and August 2025.

TLDR

TLDR: Interpol’s Operation HAECHI VI disrupted cybercrime networks across 40 countries, freezing 68,000 bank accounts and recovering ₹36,000 crore. Crimes included vishing, romance scams, sextortion, investment fraud, online gambling-linked laundering, Business Email Compromise, and e-commerce fraud. India exposed fake call centers and blocked fraudulent accounts, proving it is both a target and a proactive player in global cybercrime defense.

The Scale of the Crackdown

The seizures and arrests from Operation HAECHI VI reflect the sheer size of the threat:

• 68,000 bank accounts frozen, cutting criminals off from their stolen funds.
• 400 cryptocurrency wallets seized, stopping illicit transfers and laundering.
• ₹1,312 crore in digital assets recovered, including tokens linked to fraud.
• 45 suspects arrested in Asia, Europe, and South America.

These figures highlight how fraudsters exploit every digital channel—banks, fintech apps, e-commerce sites, and even social media—constantly shifting tactics to stay ahead of law enforcement.

Crimes Under the Scanner

Interpol’s crackdown zeroed in on cybercrimes that directly harm individuals, businesses, and government systems:

• Voice phishing (vishing): Criminals posed as bank or government staff, extracting OTPs, account details, and even tricking victims into transferring money.
• Romance scams: Scammers built fake online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money for supposed emergencies or investments.
• Online sextortion: Attackers used private or fake images to blackmail victims, often demanding cryptocurrency to avoid exposure.
• Investment fraud: Fraudulent platforms promised high returns in crypto or stocks. Victims deposited large sums, only to see the platforms vanish overnight.
• Online gambling-linked money laundering: Fake betting and gaming portals served as channels to wash illicit funds by moving them through multiple wallets.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Hackers infiltrated corporate email systems, impersonated executives, and redirected payments into fraudulent accounts.
• E-commerce fraud: Fake shopping portals, rigged transactions, and refund scams targeted both online buyers and small sellers, undermining trust in digital trade.

Global Reach, Local Impact

The operation spanned multiple continents, proving that cybercrime is borderless:

• Philippines: Raids exposed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) running fraud and money-laundering schemes.
• Macau and China: Mobile wallet fraud rings dismantled, showing how everyday financial tools are exploited.
• Brazil: Investigators curbed electronic banking fraud targeting both individuals and businesses.
• Portugal: Criminal groups stealing social security funds were caught, recovering ₹1,870 lakh.
• Thailand: Authorities stopped potential losses of ₹54 crore from BEC scams before funds were transferred.
• South Korea: Over ₹32 crore was returned to victims through Interpol’s I-GRIP platform (Global Rapid Intervention of Payments).
• India: Fake call centers and online fraud networks were exposed. Multiple bank accounts and crypto wallets were frozen under international coordination, underscoring India’s dual role as both a target and a global partner.

Triveni Singh, Indian cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, emphasized the importance of collaboration:

“Cybercrime no longer respects national borders. India, as a leader in digital transactions, has become a prime target. The victims are not only individuals but also banks, government funds, and corporations.

Operation HAECHI VI proves that coordinated efforts can dismantle global fraud networks and help recover stolen funds. India must continue to share its expertise and strategies on the international stage.”

Why It Matters for India

India’s booming digital economy makes it a hub for innovation and a magnet for cybercriminals. Recent cases involving fraudulent call centers and crypto scams show the risks. But India’s strong involvement in Operation HAECHI VI demonstrates it is not just a victim but also a critical partner in fighting cybercrime globally.

To Sum Up

Operation HAECHI VI shows that cybercrime is not just a technical issue but a worldwide challenge. Criminals operate across borders, and stopping them requires coordinated action from law enforcement worldwide.

For India, the message is clear: as digital adoption grows, resilience must grow with it. Interpol’s initiative sets the example—securing cyberspace demands the same level of collaboration as securing our physical world.

Key Takeaways

• Interpol’s crackdown froze 68,000 bank accounts and seized ₹36,000 crore.
• Operation HAECHI VI targeted major fraud schemes including BEC, vishing, and investment scams.
• India played a dual role: uncovering scams while strengthening global cooperation.
  

FAQs

1. What is Operation HAECHI VI?
   A global cybercrime crackdown by Interpol involving 40 countries. It targeted fraud networks and recovered ₹36,000 crore.
2. How did the crackdown impact India?
   India exposed fake call centers, froze fraudulent accounts, and blocked crypto wallets, while also contributing to global intelligence sharing.
3. Which crimes were investigated?
   Voice phishing, romance scams, sextortion, investment fraud, gambling-linked laundering, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and e-commerce fraud.
4. Why is India a major cybercrime target?
   Its rapid digital payment adoption makes it an attractive market for fraudsters exploiting financial and e-commerce platforms.
5. How much money was recovered worldwide?
   Interpol reported ₹36,000 crore ($439 million) recovered, along with 68,000 accounts frozen and 400 crypto wallets seized.