In the digital era, cybercrime has evolved far beyond petty scams or local gangs. It has become a global crisis, targeting banks, governments, and ordinary citizens alike. India, a world leader in digital payments, has emerged as a primary target. In response, Interpol, in collaboration with law enforcement and investigative agencies from 40 countries, launched Operation HAECHI VI. Between April and August 2025, the operation dismantled extensive criminal networks and recovered ₹36,000 crore (approximately $439 million) in stolen funds.
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Scale of the Seizures
The figures from the operation are staggering:
- 68,000 bank accounts frozen
- 400 cryptocurrency wallets seized
- ₹1,312 crore in illicit digital assets recovered
- 45 arrests, spanning Portugal, Brazil, and several Asian nations
These numbers underline how cybercriminals exploit every avenue—from banking and fintech platforms to e-commerce and social media—to carry out sophisticated fraud schemes.
Crimes Targeted
The operation focused on cyber offenses with direct impact on individuals and organizations:
- Voice phishing (vishing): Impersonating bank officials to steal sensitive information.
- Romance scams: Exploiting online relationships for financial gain.
- Online sextortion: Blackmail through private images and videos.
- Investment fraud: Luring victims into fake financial schemes.
- Online gambling-related money laundering.
- Business email compromise (BEC): Hacking corporate emails to divert millions.
- E-commerce fraud: Manipulated transactions on online shopping platforms.
Geography of the Operation
- Philippines: Raids on networks linked to online gaming operators (POGO).
- Macau and China: Mobile wallet fraud rings dismantled.
- Brazil: Measures to curb electronic banking fraud.
- Portugal: Major busts of gangs siphoning social security funds, ₹1,870 lakh recovered.
- Thailand: Prevention of losses totaling approximately ₹54 crore from BEC scams.
- South Korea: Stolen funds exceeding ₹32 crore returned to victims via the I-GRIP system.
- India: Fake call centers and online fraud networks exposed; several bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets blocked under international coordination.
Expert Insight
Triveni Singh, Indian cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, emphasized the global nature of the threat:
“Cybercrime no longer respects national borders. India, as a leader in digital transactions, has become a prime target. The victims are not only individuals but also banks, government funds, and large corporations.
International collaboration is essential to tackle this challenge. Operation HAECHI VI demonstrates that coordinated global efforts can both apprehend criminals and recover stolen funds. India must continue to act as an active partner, sharing its experience and strategies on the international stage.”
Impact on India
With its rapidly growing digital economy, India is a frequent target for cybercriminals. Recent months have seen the discovery of fake call centers operating from Indian cities, defrauding people overseas. India’s participation in Interpol’s operation highlights that the country is not just a victim but also a proactive player in the global fight against cybercrime.
Conclusion
Operation HAECHI VI makes it clear that combating cybercrime is not merely a technical challenge; it is a diplomatic and collaborative endeavor. Criminal networks recognize no borders, and stopping them requires coordinated global action.
As India’s digital economy continues to expand, the threat from cybercrime is set to grow. Interpol’s initiative offers a blueprint for international cooperation, underscoring that securing cyberspace requires as much collaboration as maintaining safety in the physical world.
