INTERPOL fraud update – operation Shadow Storm to hunt down fraudsters

We have been closely tracking INTERPOL’s efforts to focus on and boost international cooperation in relation to such offences as fraud.

In November 2025, we noted how Morocco hosted the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly and examined its agenda, as well as analysed the strengthened cooperation between Morocco and China.

In addition, we detailed how the Assembly started with a commitment to enhance international cooperation.

We also published updates in relation to cybercrime and the new Executive Committee Members.

More recently, we announced that Hong Kong is set to host the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly later this year.

Ahead of the March 2026 Vienna Global Fraud Summit, we examined an event aimed at continuing the fight against international fraud.

We also reviewed the 2026 INTERPOL Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment.

We shall now examine an INTERPOL Global Taskforce launched to hunt down fraudsters targeting the British public.

What is operation Shadow Storm?

Operation Shadow Storm is a new taskforce which will combine the intelligence powers of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries to directly target fraudsters.

It is a joint development between the UK and INTERPOL, and it will target the scam compounds that are driving a growing share of global fraud, with an initial focus on dismantling criminal operations across South East Asia.

How will it do this?

Working across borders, investigators will pool intelligence to trace where fraudsters are operating from and the bank accounts, crypto wallets, phone numbers and social media profiles they use.  Then, through INTERPOL coordination, law enforcement agencies will move quickly to disrupt operations at source, freezing bank accounts, shutting down communication channels and carrying out coordinated raids to bring scam networks to justice.

From the UK side, Nick Sharp, Deputy Director of the National Economic Crime Centre at the National Crime Agency, has stated the following:

“The Global Fraud Taskforce is an exciting and important step forward in our fight to tackle transnational fraud networks on a global scale. It will provide a platform for multilateral cooperation with law enforcement around the world to better target suspects and build on our strong public and private sector relationships to disrupt money flows and stop fraudsters in their tracks.

As these criminals continue to grow in sophistication and across borders, it is important that law enforcement and industry work together to fight this threat and protect the public.”

What about other INTERPOL initiatives?

We have separately considered other developments in international enforcement:

INTERPOL and crypto — developments in international enforcement

INTERPOL cybercrime update: operation Synergia III tackles global cybercrime network

How Gherson can help

Those who suspect that they may be subject to INTERPOL measures, including a Red (or Blue) Notice and diffusion, should take heed.

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

1. How best to approach a possible INTERPOL 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 suspect they may be subject to INTERPOL measures (including a Blue and a Red 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?
• 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?

Gherson has over 38 years of experience in assisting with all aspects of INTERPOL, Red Notice challenges and extradition. 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