Why did Interpol investigate the US$122.5 million crypto wallet?

Interpol investigated the crypto wallet because it was linked to a suspected romance scam money laundering network. The organisation said the wallet processed more than US$122.5 million over a 10-month period.

What was Operation First Light 2026?

Operation First Light 2026 was an Interpol-led operation involving authorities from 97 countries and territories. The operation resulted in 5,811 arrests and the seizure of US$293 million in assets linked to fraud and money laundering.

How did criminals use cryptocurrency in the romance scam?

Interpol said suspects used cryptocurrency wallets and cross-chain token swaps to move and hide stolen funds. The methods made it harder for investigators to trace the flow of money.

How common are cryptocurrency romance scams?

Cryptocurrency romance scams remain a major global problem. The FBI said Americans reported more than US$11 billion in losses from crypto-related scams during 2025, including romance and investment fraud.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Interpol uncovers $122M crypto laundering

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished Jul 10, 2026, 1:52 AM

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.