INTERPOL cybercrime update: operation Synergia III tackles global cybercrime network

Cybercrime now accounts for a rising proportion of all reported crime worldwide, presenting complex challenges for law enforcement authorities.

Tracking INTERPOL Broader Collaboration

We have previously examined INTERPOL’s growing collaboration with Indian law enforcement to enhance international cooperation, with African authorities to disrupt criminal activity through the use of the INTERPOL Silver Notice, and  with Chinese enforcement bodies to strengthen cross-border investigations.  Last year, we explored how cybercrime was rising in two thirds of African countries

In addition, we have been closely tracking INTERPOL’s crypto expertise, including the development of the “global stop-payment mechanism”, which has enabled it to recover the largest-ever amount of funds (specifically, $42.3 million) following a business email compromise scam. In addition, seven individuals were arrested.

INTERPOL’s ongoing Operation HAECHI V has produced even more impressive results.  As part of this operation, INTERPOL issued a Purple Notice to warn countries about an emerging cryptoasset fraud.

Last year, we also wrote an article describing how INTERPOL had issued a Purple Notice and announced the seizure of $400 million in virtual assets, as well as the arrest of over 5,500 suspects.

We shall now explore another INTERPOL operation specifically targeting cybercrime – Operation Synergia III.

What is Operation Synergie III?

This operation, conducted between July 2025 and January 2026, involved law enforcement agencies from 72 countries and territories resulting in the arrest of 94 people and the takedown of more than 45,000 malicious IP addresses and servers, as well as  the seizure of 212 electronic devices.

The huge coordinated operation uncovered several large-scale schemes across China and Bangladesh, and involved partnerships between INTERPOL, Europol and Afripol.

Although several investigations are still ongoing in participating countries, preliminary reports of key cases demonstrate the breadth of the criminal tactics employed:

• Law enforcement in Macau, China identified more than 33,000 phishing and fraudulent websites related to fake casinos and critical infrastructure, such as official bank, government and payment service sites. Victims are defrauded by topping up their accounts via the fraudulent sites or by having their personal information and credit card details stolen.
• In Bangladesh, police arrested 40 suspects and seized 134 electronic devices related to a large range of cybercrime schemes, including loan and job scams, identity theft or credit card fraud.

During Operation Synergia III, INTERPOL worked closely with its partners, Group-IB, Trend Micro and S2W, to track illegal cyber activities and identify malicious servers.

Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, stated the following:

“Cybercrime in 2026 is more sophisticated and destructive than ever before, but Operation Synergia III stands as a powerful testament to what global cooperation can achieve. INTERPOL remains at the forefront of this fight, uniting law enforcement agencies and private sector experts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt emerging threats and protect victims around the world.”

Suitability of INTERPOL

There is no doubt that cyber- and crypto-related crime presents unique challenges to authorities, as the decentralised nature of cryptoassets, and the gap between them and more conventional financial institutions creates significant hurdles to international policing.

Other INTERPOL members, however, may not be as quick to establish a regulatory framework, making international cooperation even more challenging.

It remains the case that given the decentralised and borderless nature of some cryptoasset transactions, an organisation with global reach like INTERPOL is very suitable for coordinating the steps required to assist in both pursuing the individuals alleged to have committed criminal offences involving crypto, and tracing any associated proceeds of crime.

As always, it is important to ensure that INTERPOL is always used in compliance with all the applicable rules and regulations.

Individuals who believe themselves to be at risk of INTERPOL measures, such as Red Notices, or who suspect that allegations involving crypto have been made against them could also be at risk of extradition.

As was discussed in a previous blog entitled “Can I be extradited for allegations involving crypto?” and “Another US crypto extradition”, due to the borderless nature of crypto transactions, any allegation of criminality will inevitably involve multiple jurisdictions. As such, there may be numerous jurisdictions claiming authority and trying to extradite an alleged perpetrator to their jurisdiction to face justice. There have now been two examples of individuals being extradited to the US in relation to allegations involving crypto.

Therefore, due to the nature of this technology, and as this technology becomes more prevalent, we stand to see a large increase in the instances of INTERPOL being used to locate individuals accused of allegations involving crypto.

Those who suspect they may be subject to an extradition request from the UK, or who are just concerned about liability across multiple jurisdictions including the UK, should get in touch.

Gherson’s criminal litigation, regulatory and investigatory team combine an expert knowledge of criminal and regulatory law underpinned by a firm understanding of digital assets and blockchain technology. As such, the team are able to provide expert strategic advice to anyone facing investigation in relation to any allegation of criminality involving cryptoassets. Working alongside the extradition team, Gherson’s criminal litigation, investigations and regulatory team are able to provide an unparalleled service in any case with an international dimension.  The team are also able to call upon lawyers in multiple other jurisdictions and build multi-jurisdictional teams to assist with any suitable defence.

INTERPOL, Red Notices and crypto

In addition, those who fear that a jurisdiction may have requested INTERPOL to process data relating to them for any allegations of offences involving crypto, or are just concerned about potential liability, should get in contact.

Gherson Solicitors continue to receive requests for expert advice and assistance from those who suspect they may have outstanding financial issues which may engage INTERPOL. That advice tackles:

1. How best to approach a possible INTERPOL red notice;
2. Preparing for potential criminal proceedings / an extradition request;
3. Preparing for a situation where a civil matter or commercial dispute could be used to initiate bogus criminal proceedings; and
4. Even exploring the possibility of instigating civil litigation proceedings to recover any misappropriated assets.

Gherson have previously written a series of blogs designed to assist those who may suspect that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red Notice):

• What is INTERPOL’s Silver Notice?
• INTERPOL UPDATE – India charges 8 people in first Interpol Silver Notice Case
• What is an INTERPOL Yellow Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL-United Nations Security Council Special Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Purple Notice?
• What is an INTERPOL Green Notice and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Orange Notice and can it be challenged?
• What is the purpose of an INTERPOL Blue Notice, and can it be challenged?
• What is an INTERPOL Blue Notice?
• INTERPOL and Red Notice Challenges
• How to Remove an INTERPOL Red Notice
• INTERPOL Red Notices and Extradition
• How do I know if I am subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice?

Gherson have over 38 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. We have unparalleled expertise in managing asylum and extradition requests in tandem. If you would like to speak to us in respect of any of the issues raised in this blog or about your specific circumstances,  do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice.  Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position.  Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog.  For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson.  Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

©Gherson 2026