INTERPOL Announces Major Cybercrime Takedown
INTERPOL recently announced the takedown of 45,000 malicious IP addresses and servers used in phishing, malware, and ransomware campaigns. This operation, part of an international law enforcement effort involving 72 countries and territories, led to the arrest of 94 individuals and the seizure of 212 electronic devices and servers.
Operation Details
The operation, known as Operation Synergia, took place between July 18, 2025, and January 31, 2026. It marks the third phase of the operation, which has been ongoing since 2023. The latest phase saw significant disruptions to cybercriminal networks, with arrests and seizures in several countries.
Key Arrests and Seizures
- Bangladesh: 40 suspects were arrested, and 134 electronic devices were confiscated. The arrests were related to loan and job scams, identity theft, and credit card fraud.
- Togo: 10 suspects were apprehended for running a fraud ring from a residential area. Some were involved in hacking social media accounts, while others conducted social engineering schemes, including romance scams and sextortion.
- Macau: Law enforcement identified more than 33,000 phishing and fraudulent websites related to fake casinos and critical infrastructure, such as banks and payment services.
India’s CBI Targets Transnational Fraud Case
As part of the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted coordinated searches at 15 locations across Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. The searches were part of a large-scale organized online investment and part-time job fraud case involving a Dubai-based fintech platform called Pyypl.
The criminal network is said to have leveraged social media platforms, mobile applications, and encrypted messaging services to lure victims with promises of high returns from online investments and part-time job opportunities. The syndicate used deceptive online schemes to gain victims’ trust and then persuaded them to invest larger sums of money.
Investigation and Arrests
The CBI identified Ashok Kumar Sharma and other unnamed co-conspirators as key members of the syndicate. Sharma has been taken into custody, and various bank accounts used by the entities have been frozen. Incriminating documents and digital evidence related to the syndicate’s day-to-day operations have also been seized.
Conclusion
The latest takedown by INTERPOL and the ongoing investigations by the CBI highlight the global efforts to combat cybercrime and protect victims from scams and fraud. These operations are crucial in disrupting criminal networks and safeguarding individuals from emerging threats.
元記事: https://thehackernews.com/2026/03/interpol-dismantles-45000-malicious-ips.html