A global operation targeting social engineering scams and related money laundering has resulted in 5,811 arrests and the interception of USD $293 million in illicit assets. Canada was among the 97 participating countries and territories.

INTERPOL coordinated Operation First Light 2026 from January 15 to April 30, focusing on fraud schemes that manipulate victims into surrendering money or confidential information. These included business email compromise, romance and investment scams, sextortion and impersonation fraud.

Authorities analyzed more than 152,000 cases, blocked 31,014 bank accounts and identified over 15,600 suspects. The operation also led to more than 23,700 cases being solved and 99 INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions being issued.

Participating agencies targeted high-value suspects, searched identified premises and froze bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. Investigators also used INTERPOL’s rapid payment intervention system to attempt to stop illicit transfers before funds could be moved or laundered.

More than 142,000 victims were identified worldwide. INTERPOL said the results demonstrate that social engineering fraud has become a major transnational threat affecting individuals, businesses and governments.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.