INTERPOL fraud update – warnings of sophisticated financial fraud threat

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

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

In addition, we detailed how the Assembly started with a commitment to strengthening 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 also examined an event focused on the continuing fight against international fraud.

We shall now examine the 2026 INTERPOL Global Financial Fraud Threat Assessment (the “INTERPOL Fraud Threat Assessment”).

What does the INTERPOL Fraud Threat Assessment say?

The INTERPOL Fraud Threat Assessment notes how financial fraud is now one of the world’s more serious and rapidly evolving transnational crimes with severe consequences for the economies and individuals.

What are some of the key findings of the threat assessment?

Key findings include:

• AI-enhanced fraud is 4.5 times more profitable than traditional methods. “Agentic AI” systems can autonomously plan and execute complete fraud campaigns – from reconnaissance to ransom demands.
• Criminal networks are increasingly collaborating with specialised money laundering groups and sharing expertise and technology to scale up their operations globally.
• In parts of Africa, terrorist groups have been found to use fraud schemes, especially crypto-based scams, as a source of funding.
• Once a regional phenomenon, scam centres have now been identified worldwide, involving hundreds of thousands of individuals, many of whom are trafficked and forced to carry out online fraud.

However, there is also some positive news

More positively, the report also found that law enforcement authorities are collaborating more effectively.  For instance, since 2024, the number of fraud-related INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions has increased by 54 per cent.

Over the same period, INTERPOL supported member countries in more than 1,500 transnational fraud cases involving lost assets valued at USD 1.1 billion.

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza has stated the following:

“Enabled by artificial intelligence, low-cost digital tools and increased global criminal collaboration, we are witnessing the industrialisation of fraud.

“It is vital to remember that the cost of financial crime is not just money – it is people’s life savings, their dignity, and, in the worst case, their life.

“Strengthening cooperation between law enforcement, the private sector and raising public awareness is key in tackling this global security threat.”

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