Interpol uncovers $122M crypto laundering

• Interpol uncovered a crypto wallet that processed more than US$122.5 million in a romance scam laundering network.
• Operation First Light 2026 led to 5,811 arrests and the seizure of US$293 million in illicit assets.
• Authorities said cross-chain crypto transfers were used to hide stolen funds from online fraud.

Interpol said a crypto wallet linked to a suspected romance scam money launderer processed more than US$122.5 million over 10 months.

Thai authorities uncovered the network during Operation First Light 2026, which targeted online fraud and crypto money laundering.

“Social engineering scams continue to pose a significant threat to our society,” said Interpol Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre Director Tomonobu Kaya.

Interpol said the operation involved authorities from 97 countries and territories, leading to 5,811 arrests and the seizure of US$293 million in illicit assets.

Authorities also analysed 152,808 cases, solved 23,715 investigations, identified 15,606 suspects and blocked 31,014 bank accounts.

Interpol said investigators found criminals used cross-chain token swaps and cryptocurrency wallets to hide the movement of stolen funds.

The operation follows an FBI report that Americans lost more than US$11 billion to crypto-related scams in 2025, including romance and investment fraud.