December 2, 2024 at 03:09AM
A global law enforcement operation, Operation HAECHI-V, arrested over 5,500 suspects tied to financial crimes and seized $400 million in virtual assets. Conducted by authorities from 40 regions between July and November 2024, the coordinated effort highlights the critical need for international police cooperation to combat cybercrime effectively.
**Meeting Takeaways – Dec 02, 2024**
1. **Global Operation on Financial Crimes**:
– More than 5,500 suspects arrested globally for financial crimes.
– Over $400 million in virtual assets and government-backed currencies seized.
– Operation HAECHI-V conducted from July to November 2024 with participation from authorities in 40 countries.
2. **Cybercrime Impact Statement**:
– INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza highlighted the severe impact of cyber-enabled crime:
– Loss of life savings for individuals.
– Significant business disruptions.
– Erosion of trust in digital and financial systems.
3. **Joint Efforts Against Voice Phishing**:
– Korean and Beijing authorities dismantled a voice phishing syndicate resulting in $1.1 billion in financial losses affecting over 1,900 victims.
– Arrest of at least 27 individuals, with 19 indicted.
4. **Emerging Cryptocurrency Scam Warning**:
– INTERPOL issued a purple notice for the USDT Token Approval Scam, where scammers exploit romance-themed tactics to access victims’ cryptocurrency wallets.
– Victims unknowingly authorize access to their funds by clicking phishing links.
5. **Recent Successes in Cybercrime Efforts**:
– HAECHI-V follows a previous operation that arrested nearly 3,500 individuals and seized $300 million in assets.
– Highlighted efforts in Africa, where 1,006 suspects were arrested and over 134,000 malicious infrastructures targeted.
6. **Call for International Cooperation**:
– Emphasis on the necessity of international police collaboration to combat the borderless nature of cybercrime effectively.
**Next Steps**:
– Stay informed on developments and updates from INTERPOL and participating authorities in ongoing operations.