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INTERPOL Operation HAECHI V – Arrests 5,500 Scammers in 40 Countries
INTERPOL Financial Crime Operation HAECHI V Makes Record 5,500 Arrests, Seizures Worth over USD $400 million
Primary Category: Crimes and Criminals
Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portion by Interpol
About This Article
Operation HAECHI V, an extensive five-month initiative led by INTERPOL, brought together law enforcement from 40 countries to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes.
The operation, targeting frauds such as voice phishing, romance scams, and investment fraud, resulted in over 5,500 arrests and the seizure of more than USD 400 million in assets.
Notable achievements included dismantling a South Korean voice phishing syndicate responsible for USD 1.1 billion in losses and exposing a cryptocurrency fraud involving stablecoins.
With enhanced tools like I-GRIP to intercept illicit funds, the operation showcased the power of international cooperation in mitigating financial crimes and protecting victims.
INTERPOL Financial Crime Operation HAECHI V Makes Record 5,500 Arrests, Seizures Worth over USD $400 million
Joint operation investigated thousands of cyber-enabled scams on five continents
LYON, France – A global operation involving law enforcement from 40 countries, territories and regions has ended with the arrest of over 5,500 financial crime suspects and the seizure of more than USD 400 million in virtual assets and government-backed currencies.
The five-month Operation HAECHI V (July – November 2024) targeted seven types of cyber-enabled frauds: voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, illegal online gambling, business email compromise fraud, and e-commerce fraud.
As part of the operation, Korean authorities, in tandem with authorities in Beijing successfully dismantled a sprawling voice phishing syndicate responsible for financial losses totaling 1,511 billion KRW (USD 1.1 billion) and affecting over 1,900 victims. The organization’s sophisticated modus operandi included masquerading as law enforcement officials and using counterfeit identification. The operation led to the arrest of at least 27 members of the organized criminal group, with 19 individuals subsequently indicted.
INTERPOL also issued a Purple Notice during Operation HAECHI V to warn countries about an emerging cryptocurrency fraud practice involving stablecoin. Member countries were alerted to the “USDT Token Approval Scam” which allows fraudsters to access and control victims’ cryptocurrency wallets. The two-step approach first lures in victims using romance baiting techniques, instructing them to buy popular Tether stablecoins (USDT Tokens) via a legitimate platform. Once the scammers have gained their trust, the victims are provided with a phishing link claiming to allow them to set up their investment accounts. In reality, by clicking they authorize full access to the scammers, who can then transfer funds out of their wallet without the victim’s knowledge.
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:
“The effects of cyber-enabled crime can be devastating – people losing their life savings, businesses crippled, and trust in digital and financial systems undermined.
“The borderless nature of cybercrime means international police cooperation is essential, and the success of this operation supported by INTERPOL shows what results can be achieved when countries work together. It’s only through united efforts that we can make the real and digital worlds safer.”
LEE Jun Hyeong, Head of Korea’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Seoul said:
“Colleagues here in Korea and across police forces worldwide have demonstrated outstanding dedication and professionalism during Operation HAECHI V. Our efforts not only brought criminals to justice but also achieved significant progress in intercepting and recovering illicit funds. We will continue to contribute to ensuring a swift and effective response to cyber-enabled financial crimes.”
Now in its fifth year, HAECHI V built on previous successes, almost doubling the number of cases solved (8,309) and tripling the number of virtual asset service provider (VASP) accounts blocked (1,023) compared to 2023.
I-GRIP helps stop fraud fast
In parallel with the operation, financial crime specialists from INTERPOL worked with police investigators and financial institutions in over 80 countries to strengthen use of INTERPOL’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP). This stop-payment mechanism helps countries work together to rapidly intercept stolen funds and played an instrumental part in Operation HAECHI V.
In one major I-GRIP-enabled win, the Singapore Police Force used the tool to rapidly request assistance from authorities in Timor Leste when a commodity firm in Singapore fell victim to a business email compromise fraud. The firm was tricked into transferring USD 42.3 million to a fake supplier’s bank account in Timor Leste, where authorities were able to intercept USD 39.3 million in the bank account. A total of seven suspects were arrested and further investigations also led to the recovery of an additional USD 2.6 million, as well as the discovery that part of the illicit funds had already been transferred from Timor Leste to Indonesia. Further investigations by the three jurisdictions are being coordinated by INTERPOL and steps are being taken to return the stolen funds to the victim in Singapore.
In Guernsey, United Kingdom, an I-GRIP awareness session led directly to a significant breakthrough. Immediately after the session, the Guernsey Financial Intelligence Unit worked with UK authorities to submit an I-GRIP request to Portugal seeking to intercept over GBP 2 million (USD 2.5 million) in funds arising from business email compromise fraud. Rapid communication with Portuguese police authorities via I-GRIP meant the money was intercepted and subsequently returned to the victim in full.
HAECHI Operations Were Supported Financially by Korea, and these Participating Countries
HAECHI V participating countries, territories and regions: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands (UK), China, France, Ghana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Liechtenstein, Macao (China), Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Timor Leste, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTERPOL Financial Crime Operation HAECHI V Makes Record 5,500 Arrests, Seizures Worth over USD $400 million
- About This Article
- INTERPOL Financial Crime Operation HAECHI V Makes Record 5,500 Arrests, Seizures Worth over USD $400 million
- Joint operation investigated thousands of cyber-enabled scams on five continents
- I-GRIP helps stop fraud fast
- HAECHI Operations Were Supported Financially by Korea, and these Participating Countries
- Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Statement About Victim Blaming
- SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:
- Psychology Disclaimer:
- More ScamsNOW.com Articles
- A Question of Trust
- SCARS Institute™ ScamsNOW Magazine
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
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Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
More ScamsNOW.com Articles
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors’ experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
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