UAE-Led Operation Flags $39B Linked to Crypto and Online Scams

A United Arab Emirates-led international operation involving Interpol and law enforcement agencies from 30 countries identified more than $39 billion in fraud-linked funds and digital assets and stopped at least 123.71 million online fraud attempts from July 1 to September 30, 2026. Led by the UAE Ministry of Interior, Operation Confrontation Ghost targeted AI-enabled fraud, digital-platform scams and online sextortion. Authorities arrested more than 960 suspects, raided 29 fraud centers, identified over 3,500 suspects and 15,500 victims, blocked 4,126 bank accounts and closed more than 570 social media accounts. Interpol, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and 13 private companies including Crypto.com, Meta, Mastercard and TikTok participated, and results were presented at a UAE-organized side event during a UN crime conference in Vienna.