Interpol says Operation “First Light 2026” led to 5,811 arrests across 97 countries and territories. The operation intercepted $293 million tied to social engineering scams and related money laundering.

Interpol reported that its Operation “First Light 2026” resulted in the arrest of 5,811 people and the interception of USD 293 million in illicit assets across 97 countries and territories. The crackdown targeted social engineering scams, including phishing and impersonation schemes, where criminals manipulate victims into sending money or providing access to accounts. Interpol also emphasized that the fraud activity was closely linked to money laundering, reflecting how scam proceeds are moved and disguised through cross-border networks. The scale of arrests and seized assets signals that scam infrastructure is increasingly organized internationally rather than confined to a single jurisdiction. By coordinating enforcement actions across borders, investigators sought to disrupt both the individuals carrying out the scam contact and the criminal financial flows that monetize victim payments. The announcement highlights the importance for potential victims to treat unsolicited messages—especially those claiming urgent problems or demanding quick payments—as high-risk, and to verify requests through trusted channels before sending funds. Interpol’s findings also underscore why fraud cases are increasingly treated as both cybercrime and financial crime.