Online Crypto Course Platform Caught in Rp19.3 Billion Fraud Case

Previously, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) announced that Operation First Light, a global initiative involving 61 countries, had secured a number of online fraud networks.

The operation resulted in the freezing of 6,745 bank accounts, seizing assets worth USD 257 million (Rp 4.2 trillion), intercepting around USD 135 million (Rp 2.2 trillion) worth of fiat currency and USD 2 million (Rp 32.7 billion) worth of cryptocurrencies.

Targeting phishing, investment fraud, fake online shopping sites, matchmaking fraud and identity impersonation, Operation First Light 2024 resulted in the arrest of 3,950 suspects and the identification of 14,643 other possible suspects worldwide,” Interpol said in a statement, quoted from News.bitcoin.com, Sunday (30/6/2024).

In addition, Interpol also seized assets worth more than USD 120 million, including real estate, luxury vehicles, high-end jewelry and other valuables.

For information, Operation First Light began in 2023 and ended with its final tactical phase in March to May 2024.

The operation was funded by China's Ministry of Public Security and culminated in a meeting in Tianjin, where participating countries reviewed the results, exchanged intelligence and strategized future actions.

Since 2014, Interpol has coordinated Operation First Light to enhance international cooperation and strengthen efforts against social engineering and telecommunications fraud.

Using Interpol's Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) mechanism to help them track and intercept the proceeds of illicit activity, both in fiat and cryptocurrency, police intercepted USD 331,000 in a business email scam involving victims in Spain transferring money to Hong Kong and China,” Interpol said.