Interpol Disrupts Global Cybercrime Networks in Operation Synergia III

An international law enforcement operation coordinated by INTERPOL has dismantled a significant cybercrime infrastructure, taking down over 45,000 malicious IP addresses, and servers. Operation Synergia III, which ran from July 18, 2025, to January 31, 2026, involved participation from 72 countries and territories and resulted in 94 arrests, with an additional 110 individuals still under investigation.

Operation Synergia III: A Global Effort

The operation targeted phishing, malware, and ransomware activities, demonstrating a concerted global effort to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. INTERPOL played a crucial role in transforming data into actionable intelligence, facilitating cross-border collaboration, and providing tactical operational assistance to member countries INTERPOL.

Key Findings and Arrests

Law enforcement agencies seized 212 electronic devices and servers linked to the criminal networks. Several key cases highlight the breadth of criminal tactics employed:

• Macau, China: Authorities identified over 33,000 phishing and fraudulent websites, many mimicking legitimate casinos, banks, government sites, and payment services INTERPOL.
• Togo: Ten individuals were arrested for hacking social media accounts and conducting scams, including romance fraud and sextortion Aid Net Security.
• Bangladesh: Forty suspects were arrested, and 134 electronic devices were seized in connection with cybercrime schemes involving loan and job scams, identity theft, and credit card fraud Help Net Security.

Private Sector Collaboration

Operation Synergia III benefited from collaboration with private sector partners, including Group-IB, Trend Micro, and S2W Help Net Security.

The Evolving Cybercrime Landscape

Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, emphasized the increasing sophistication and destructiveness of cybercrime in 2026, stating that Operation Synergia III demonstrates the power of global cooperation in dismantling criminal networks and protecting victims INTERPOL, The Register.

Looking Ahead

As cyber threats continue to evolve, international collaboration remains critical in disrupting criminal activities and safeguarding cyberspace. INTERPOL will continue to unite law enforcement agencies and private sector experts to address emerging threats and protect individuals and organizations worldwide.