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

The 3-month operation led to over 960 arrests, while authorities blocked thousands of bank accounts and closed hundreds of social accounts. A UAE-led international operation involving Interpol and law enforcement agencies from 30 countries identified more than $39 billion in fraud-linked funds and digital assets while thwarting well over 123 million online fraud attempts between July and September 2026. The results point to the scale of cross-border digital crime, with authorities now working to recover the identified assets and disrupt networks using online platforms, financial services and cryptocurrencies. Operation Confrontation Ghost Ran for Three Months Across 30 Countries Led by the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, Operation Confrontation Ghost ran from July 1 to September 30 and went after AI-enabled fraud, financial scams run through digital platforms and online sextortion. WAM, the Emirates News Agency, stated that the operation stopped at least 123.71 million online fraud attempts worldwide. Authorities arrested more than 960 suspects and raided 29 fraud centers. Investigators identified over 3,500 suspects and 15,500 victims, while 4,126 bank accounts were blocked and more t...