Cyber Crime
The World is Losing the Battle Against International Cybercrime Syndicates
The fight against international criminal networks is becoming increasingly complex as these syndicates evolve to exploit global systems. Recent operations by Europol and INTERPOL underscore the sophistication and reach of these gangs, whose activities span continents and industries.
Europol’s Operation Sentinel dismantled a VAT fraud network that operated across 16 countries, involving over 400 companies and causing losses of RS 2,600 crore (€297 million). With 36 arrests and 300 searches, the case highlights how these syndicates leverage shell companies and complex financial routes to evade detection.
INTERPOL’s Operation Cyclone targeted human trafficking networks in Africa and Europe, rescuing victims and uncovering criminal use of digital platforms and cryptocurrency. These operations illustrate the increasing reliance on technology by international gangs to obscure their activities and expand their reach.
India, too, is not immune to this growing threat. Financial frauds, cybercrimes, and smuggling operations are becoming transnational issues. Professor Triveni Singh, a former IPS officer and renowned cybercrime expert, stresses the need for a unified global approach.
“A dedicated real-time information-sharing mechanism across all countries is essential to outpace these criminal networks. Without such coordination, law enforcement agencies will continue to face significant challenges,” he said.
The call for global collaboration is echoed by Europol and INTERPOL officials, who emphasize that jurisdictional boundaries often hinder the fight against these networks. While successes like Operation Sentinel demonstrate the potential of cross-border operations, the increasing scale of organized crime necessitates a more unified and technology-driven response.
If law enforcement agencies worldwide do not adapt and collaborate swiftly, the fight against international crime could tilt further in favor of these organized gangs.