Category: Interpol

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INTERPOL Financial Fraud assessment: A global threat boosted by technology

Source: Interpol (news and events)

LONDON, United Kingdom – A new INTERPOL assessment on global financial fraud highlights how the increased use of technology is enabling organized crime groups to better target victims around the world.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), large language models and cryptocurrencies combined with phishing- and ransomware-as-a-service business models have resulted in more sophisticated and professional fraud campaigns without the need for advanced technical skills, and at relatively little cost.

Analysis behind the INTERPOL Global Financial Fraud Assessment also points to the global expansion of human trafficking for the purpose of forced criminality in call centres, particularly to carry out ‘pig-butchering’ scams – a hybrid scheme combining romance and investment frauds, using cryptocurrencies.

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

“We are facing an epidemic in the growth of financial fraud, leading to individuals, often vulnerable people, and companies being defrauded on a massive and global scale.

“Changes in technology and the rapid increase in the scale and volume of organized crime has driven the creation of a range of new ways to defraud innocent people, business and even governments. With the development of AI and Cryptocurrencies, the situation is only going to get worse without urgent action.

“It is important that there are no safe havens for financial fraudsters to operate. We must close existing gaps and ensure information sharing between sectors and across borders is the norm, not the exception.

“We also need to encourage greater reporting of financial crime as well as invest in capacity building and training for law enforcement to develop a more effective and truly global response.”

The report is being launched by the Secretary General at the Financial Fraud Summit, organized by the UK government in London.

Key findings

Other key findings of the report, which is for law enforcement use only, include:

  • The most prevalent global trends are investment fraud, advance payment fraud, romance fraud and business email compromise
  • Financial fraud is most often carried out by a network of co-offenders, varying from highly structured to loosely affiliated.
  • An urgent need to strengthen data collection and analysis in order to develop more informed and effective counter strategies.

To effectively address this globally escalating crime and bridge crucial information gaps, one of the report’s recommendations is the need to build multi-stakeholder, Public-Private Partnerships to trace and recover funds lost to financial fraud.

Since the launch of INTERPOL’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP) stop-payment mechanism in 2022, the Organization has helped member countries intercept more than USD 500 million in criminal proceeds, stemming largely from cyber-enabled fraud.

Regional Trends in Financial Fraud

Africa

Business Email Compromise remains one of the most prevalent trends in Africa, however there is increasing use of the pig butchering fraud. Cases of this fraud type have been identified in West and Southern Africa targeting victims in other jurisdictions beyond the continent.

Certain West African criminal groups, including the Black Axe, Airlords and Supreme Eiye, continue to grow transnationally, and are known to have extensive skills in online financial fraud such as romance fraud, investment fraud, advance fee fraud, and cryptocurrency fraud.

Americas

The most common types of fraud across the Americas are impersonation, romance, tech support, advance payment, and telecom frauds.

Human trafficking-fuelled fraud continues to be a growing crime phenomenon. The INTERPOL coordinated operation, Operation Turquesa V, revealed that hundreds of victims were trafficked out of the region after being lured via messaging apps and social media platforms and coerced to commit fraud, including investments frauds and pig butchering.

There is emerging evidence that Latin-American crime syndicates such as Commando Vermelho, Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) are also involved in the commission of financial fraud.

Asia

Pig butchering fraud schemes initiated in Asia in 2019, and expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, Asia has emerged as a focal point, with criminal organizations in poorer countries across the region employing business-like structures.

Another fraud type that has experienced a surge in recent years in Asia is a type of telecommunication fraud where perpetrators impersonate law enforcement officers or bank officials to trick victims to disclose their credit card or bank account credentials or to hand over huge amounts of money.

Europe

Online investment frauds, phishing, and other online financial fraud schemes have escalated on carefully selected targets to maximize profits. Mobile phone apps are also being targeted by cybercriminals.

The criminal networks involved in these online schemes often display sophisticated and complex modi operandi, which are usually a combination of different fraud types.

Pig butchering, predominantly carried out of call centres in Southeast Asia, is also on the rise.

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Revised toolkit empowers law enforcement with responsible AI practices

Source: Interpol (news and events)

Singapore – INTERPOL and UNICRI have released an updated version of the Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement, a practical guide for law enforcement agencies on developing and deploying artificial intelligence responsibly, while respecting human rights and ethics principles.

The AI Toolkit is comprised of seven distinct resources, underpinned by a comprehensive user guide, providing guidance for law enforcement executives and officers to navigate responsible AI innovation from technical foundations to organizational assessments on readiness and risk.

The updated toolkit, which is based on extensive consultation with stakeholders, incorporates several key changes aimed at enhancing its usability and relevance in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Some of the key changes include:

  • Additional recommendations on emerging best practices in the field of AI governance and ethics.
  • Enhanced guidance on building AI strategy: More comprehensive information and guidance on how law enforcement agencies can develop and implement effective AI strategies tailored to their specific needs and challenges.
  • Illustrative examples and case studies: To better illustrate the meaning and severity of each question posed in the toolkit, new examples and case studies have been included, allowing law enforcement practitioners to better understand the practical implications of AI implementation.
  • Alignment with legal and technical developments: Revisions have been made to ensure that the toolkit remains aligned with the latest legal, regulatory, and technical developments in the AI landscape, providing law enforcement agencies with up-to-date guidance and advice.

These updates were unveiled to law enforcement and global AI experts in Singapore, during the 4th INTERPOL-UNICRI Global Meeting on Responsible AI for Law Enforcement (20-22 February), which was organized in cooperation with the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore, the European Union, the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.

A dedicated AI Toolkit session and specifically developed workshops were held during the event to enhance understanding of the AI Toolkit’s content and its practical applications in law enforcement work.

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Securing the Africa Cup of Nations amidst regional terror challenges

Source: Interpol (news and events)

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire – INTERPOL has deployed a special intelligence support team to a high-risk terrorism zone in West Africa to support Côte d’Ivoire in maintaining a safe environment for Africa’s Cup of Nations – CAN.

From 13 January to 11 February, the Africa Cup brings 24 national soccer teams to Côte d’Ivoire to compete in the cities of Abidjan, Bouaké, Korhogo, San Pedro and the capital Yamoussoukro.

To make the event as safe as possible for the three million fans travelling to Côte d’Ivoire, local police are working with INTERPOL to make sure frontline officers have the global INTERPOL tools they need to detect dangerous individuals at border checkpoints.

An INTERPOL expert team is working with Côte d’Ivoire’s national police to cross-reference passenger manifests for all incoming flights against INTERPOL’s criminal databases. The objective is to identify any suspected criminals in-flight and enable Ivorian authorities to apprehend individuals listed in INTERPOL’s databases upon their arrival.

Côte d’Ivoire is located near the Sahel region where extremist terrorist groups often clash. To prevent spill-over into Cote d’Ivoire during the CAN, police across the country have been equipped to also perform biometric checks against records of suspected terrorists.

General Youssouf Kouyate, Côte d’Ivoire’s Director of National Police, said:

“High profile sporting events attract significant global attention, making them great targets for terrorist groups seeking to spread fear.  Ensuring the safety of fans, players and support staff involves complex security operations which must necessarily go beyond national borders.

“INTERPOL’s comprehensive support to Côte d’Ivoire for this event ensures that the joy of football is not overshadowed by security threats.”

Cyril Gout, INTERPOL’s Acting Executive Director of Police Services, said:

“Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations is a monumental task, but as a key part of a strong global police network of law enforcement in 196 countries, Côte d’Ivoire was not left alone to make it safe. 

“Thanks to strong international police cooperation, Côte d’Ivoire police is an essential component of a larger law enforcement family, uniting global resources and expertise to ensure the safety of all – from the local communities of Côte d’Ivoire to the international guests.”

The Abidjan INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), which is part of Côte d’Ivoire’s national police force, is also playing a strategic role in making the CAN a safe place for fans.

As part of a long-term strategy to keep the country safe, the NCB ensured that sea, air, and land borders were connected to INTERPOL systems ahead of the Africa Cup so that police could spot and stop criminals trying to enter the country.

The NCB trained officers nationwide to use INTERPOL’s criminal databases and provided stadium security with mobile devices to identify potential criminals on-site.   It also worked with WAPIS to facilitate comprehensive data cross-checks against national, regional, and global databases.

West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS)

WAPIS is funded by the European Union and implemented by INTERPOL to boost regional security.  It gives police forces real-time access to national and regional databases so that frontline officers can swiftly identify crime and criminals.

Its comprehensive information system helps maintain security by enabling swift and efficient identification and tracking of potential threats, enhancing collaboration among law enforcement agencies, and improving responses to security concerns that arise during the event.

Building regional expertise

Ahead of the CAN, INTERPOL delivered specialized training sessions for local law enforcement and security staff, focusing on INTERPOL databases and the importance of sharing intelligence with the global law enforcement community.

With the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure for such events, INTERPOL has also provided support in cybersecurity, ensuring the safety of communication and operational networks.

INTERPOL can assist a country in making high-profile events safer through various means, including intelligence sharing, database access, expert counsel, training, operational support, border management, and intelligence sharing with police forces in 196 countries across the globe.

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INTERPOL-led operation targets growing cyber threats

Source: Interpol (news and events)

SINGAPORE – Some 1,300 suspicious IP addresses or URLs have been identified as part of a global INTERPOL operation targeting phishing, malware and ransomware attacks.

Operation Synergia, which ran from September to November 2023, was launched in response to the clear growth, escalation and professionalisation of transnational cybercrime and the need for coordinated action against new cyber threats.

The operation involved 60 law enforcement agencies from more than 50 INTERPOL member countries, with officers conducting house searches and seizing servers as well as electronic devices. To date, 70% of the command-and-control (C2) servers identified have been taken down, with the remainder currently under investigation.

Operational details

Authorities detained 31 individuals and identified an additional 70 suspects.

  • Most of the C2 servers taken down were in Europe, where 26 people were arrested.
  • Hong Kong and Singapore Police took down 153 and 86 servers, respectively.
  • South Sudan and Zimbabwe reported the most takedowns on the African continent, arresting four suspects.
  • Bolivia mobilized a range of public authorities to identify malware and resulting vulnerabilities.
  • Kuwait’s worked closely with Internet Service Providers to identify victims, conduct field investigations and offer technical guidance to mitigate impacts.

Operation Synergia demonstrated how cybersecurity is most effective when international law enforcement, national authorities, and private sector partners cooperate to share best practices and pro-actively combat cybercrime. INTERPOL and its Gateway Partners Group-IB, Kaspersky, TrendMicro, Shadowserver and Ad hoc partner Team Cymru provided analysis and intelligence support throughout the operation.

Bernardo Pillot, Assistant Director to INTERPOL Cybercrime Directorate, said:

“The results of this operation, achieved through the collective efforts of multiple countries and partners, show our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the digital space. By dismantling the infrastructure behind phishing, banking malware, and ransomware attacks, we are one step closer to protecting our digital ecosystems and a safer, more secure online experience for all.”

Participating countries:

Albania, Algeria, Australia , Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Eswatini, France, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, India, Ireland, Israel, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lichtenstein, Maldives, Mauritius, Moldova, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palestine, Poland, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Zimbabwe.

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Grooming, radicalization and cyber-attacks: INTERPOL warns of ‘Metacrime’

Source: Interpol (news and events)

DAVOS, Switzerland – A comprehensive analysis of the Metaverse’s key challenges, threats and harms from a law enforcement perspective is outlined in a new INTERPOL White Paper published today.

Contributing towards a secure-by-design Metaverse, the document identifies current and potential Metacrimes, such as grooming, radicalization and cyber-physical attacks against critical infrastructure, as well as theft of 3D virtual/cultural property, trespassing in private virtual spaces, and robbery from an avatar.

A lack of standardization and interoperability; virtual worlds spanning multiple jurisdictions; and the added complexity of the Metaverse being accessed across multiple devices and systems: all are among the challenges currently faced by investigators.

Police may be faced with virtual crime scenes where there is no physical evidence to be collected – just digital interactions involving virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Such online environments are dynamic, meaning evidence can easily vanish or appear altered.

Nevertheless, the INTERPOL paper also notes that the Metaverse holds opportunities for law enforcement, ranging from advanced simulation and virtual crime scene preservation, to immersive training.

New criminal opportunities

The Paper also underlines the need for first responders, digital forensic specialists and the judicial system to understand the Metaverse and associated technology to ensure the safety and security of the virtual environment and protect individual rights.

“The rise of powerful technologies such as the Metaverse is making the criminal landscape increasingly complex and transnational, posing new challenges for law enforcement.” Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General

“We are seeing the Metaverse and artificial intelligence provide new opportunities for criminal activities, for which the world is not fully prepared.

“INTERPOL remains committed to being the voice of global law enforcement community to ensure the safety and security of the virtual world.”

A holistic approach

Spanning multiple jurisdictions, dimensions, and organizations, a holistic approach involving multi-stakeholder engagements and cross-border collaboration is essential for an effective law enforcement response to Metacrime.

INTERPOL’s ambition is to help its member countries understand both the challenges and opportunities offered by new and emerging technologies, as well as ensure law enforcement has the tools and training to mount an effective response to this evolving crime landscape.

Launched at the World Economic Forum’s Global Collaboration Village as part of the ‘Next-Generation Technologies and Global Security’ session, the Paper was developed with input from the INTERPOL Metaverse Expert Group made up of representatives from law enforcement, government, the private sector, academia and international organizations.

In October 2022, INTERPOL unveiled the first ever Metaverse specifically designed for law enforcement worldwide, offering immersive training courses to law enforcement across the globe.

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Sting operation leads to Brazil arrest of one of South America’s most wanted fugitives

Source: Interpol (news and events)

Diego Nicolás Marset Alba, a reputed drug kingpin and brother to the leader of the “Primer Cartel Uruguayo” cartel, was arrested in Brazil on Tuesday 26 December as part of a regional police operation involving INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (NCBs) in Brasilia, La Paz, Asuncion and Montevideo.

22-year-old Uruguayan national Diego Marset had been avoiding arrest for many years by using multiple false identities from Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. He is thought to be a central figure in the trafficking of drugs from South America to Europe and is also linked to several high-profile killings.

Officers from Brazil’s Federal Police enter the wife’s residence to arrest Diego Marset in his wife’s home.

Officers from Brazil’s Federal Police monitor the Foz de Iguacu residence of Diego Marset’s wife.

Diego Marset was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice requested by Paraguay, which serves as a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and arrest a suspect for extradition.

Married to a Bolivian woman, Diego Marset became the focus of this strategic regional operation when INTERPOL shared intelligence that his wife was nearing childbirth in Foz de Iguacu, Brazil.

Foreseeing Marset’s potential visit to Brazil for the birth, officers from Brazil’s Federal Police monitored the wife’s residence and arrested the fugitive when he arrived at her home.

Valdecy Urquiza, Brazil’s Director of International Cooperation and INTERPOL Vice President for the Americas, said:

“It was the crucial leads provided by countries in the region to the global police community which permitted Brazil’s capture of Diego Marset. It is by working together this way to ensure dangerous fugitives are behind bars that police contribute to global security.

“This arrest not only makes the world a safer place but also demonstrates South America’s determination and commitment to dismantling global criminal networks for global security.”

For NCB Asuncion, this arrest is part of “Operation A Ultranza PY”, one of Paraguay’s most extensive operations against organized crime and money laundering and involving more than 100 raids, 30 arrest warrants, and the seizure of assets worth over USD 100 million.

Paraguay’s Minister of Interior Enrique Riera Escudero said:

“We commend INTERPOL for making sure critical policing tools are strategically positioned for effective regional cooperation across the globe: the INTERPOL community has been key to disrupting South American transnational organized crime groups which damage the region’s communities and economy with their dangerous activities.

“The arrest of Diego Marset stands as a warning for those who think they can continue to threaten our regional stability and security: this is just the beginning.”

While Diego Marset now faces extradition to Paraguay, the hunt continues for his brother, Sebastián Marset, who remains at large and the subject of Red Notices from multiple countries for his drug trafficking ties and links to high profile murders.

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Indonesia, Korea, and INTERPOL cooperation shuts down illegal IPTV service

Source: Interpol (news and events)

LYON, France – A criminal group responsible for the illegal streaming of 72 Korean and international channels and the distribution of nearly 110,000 video files has been dismantled following joint action between authorities in Korea, Indonesia and INTERPOL.

The illegal service had been running for approximately nine years, capitalizing on the high demand among Korean expatriates for domestic real-time broadcasting content, amounting to more than KRW 16 billion (USD 1.23 million) in estimated losses.

The suspects had subscribed to 40 Korean cable TV service accounts and would re-broadcast their content to Indonesia. They also provided video-on-demand (VOD) services to users who connected to their platform via customized TV boxes, applications, and web browsers.

INTERPOL coordinated joint enforcement actions between Korean and Indonesian officials.

The suspects had subscribed to 40 Korean cable TV service accounts and would re-broadcast content to Indonesia.

The successful collaboration comes under the INTERPOL Stop Online Piracy Project (I-SOP). Coordination with the Indonesian Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP), the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), led to the arrest of three suspects behind the illegal Internet Protocol television (IPTV) service.

The illegal service was first flagged by the copyright holder to Indonesian officials in May 2023. When a full-scale investigation was opened, INTERPOL facilitated meetings and coordinated joint enforcement actions between Korean and Indonesian officials.

Simultaneous raids were subsequently held in both countries in late October, leading to the arrests.

LIM Seonghwan, Director General of the Copyright Bureau MCST said:

“The MCST’s Copyright Crime Forensic Investigation Division will continue to expand international cooperation investigations in collaboration with INTERPOL’s I-SOP project to address copyright infringement crimes occurring overseas. We also plan to enhance our digital investigative capabilities, including digital forensics.”

I-SOP is a five-year project funded by the MCST, which aim at combating crimes involving intellectual property infringement such as trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy.

Digital piracy is a global threat, affecting creative industries such as film, TV, music and publishing, as well as the economy at large. Illegal downloads and distribution of such content results in substantial financial losses for the industries concerned which in turn affects tax revenue and jobs. Of particular concern is these crimes are often linked to other illegal activities, such as terrorist financing, money laundering and human trafficking.

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USD 300 million seized and 3,500 suspects arrested in international financial crime operation

Source: Interpol (news and events)

LYON, FRANCE – A transcontinental police operation against online financial crime has concluded with almost 3,500 arrests and seizures of USD 300 million (approx. EUR 273 million) worth of assets across 34 countries.

The six-month Operation HAECHI IV (July-December 2023) targeted seven types of cyber-enabled scams: voice phishing, romance scams, online sextortion, investment fraud, money laundering associated with illegal online gambling, business email compromise fraud, and e-commerce fraud.

Investigators worked together to detect online fraud and freeze associated bank and virtual asset service provider (VASP) accounts using INTERPOL’s Global Rapid Intervention of Payments (I-GRIP), a stop-payment mechanism which helps countries work together to block criminal proceeds.

Cooperation between Filipino and Korean authorities led to the arrest in Manila of a high-profile online gambling criminal after a two-year manhunt by Korea’s National Police Agency.

Authorities blocked 82,112 suspicious bank accounts, seizing a combined USD 199 million in hard currency and USD 101 million in virtual assets.

“The seizure of USD 300 million represents a staggering sum and clearly illustrates the incentive behind today’s explosive growth of transnational organized crime. This represents the savings and hard-earned cash of victims. This vast accumulation of unlawful wealth is a serious threat to global security and weakens the economic stability of nations worldwide.” Stephen Kavanagh, INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services

“HAECHI IV’s 200 per cent surge in arrests shows the persistent challenge of cyber-enabled crime, reminding us to stay alert and keep refining our tactics against online fraud, which is why INTERPOL operations like this are so important. Thank you to all concerned, especially colleagues from the Philippines and Korea.”

Investment fraud, business email compromise and e-commerce fraud accounted for 75 per cent of cases investigated in HAECHI IV.

Cooperation between Filipino and Korean authorities led to the Manila arrest of a high-profile online gambling criminal who was the subject of a Korean Red Notice.

Operation HAECHI IV saw the dismantling of the illegal gambling network the arrested man is believed to lead.

Sample of a cat-themed non-fungible token (NFT).

NFTs are digital assets which can take the form of photos, videos, audio files, artwork, comic books, sports collectibles, trading cards, games and more.

A post operational debrief meeting was held at INTERPOL’s Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore to analyze results and review tactics.

Working with a number of VASPs, INTERPOL helped frontline officers identify 367 virtual asset accounts linked to transnational organized crime.  Police in member countries froze the assets and investigations are ongoing.

INTERPOL’s Head of National Central Bureau in Korea, Kim Dong Kwon, said:

“It is remarkable that global efforts to stay ahead of the latest criminal trends have resulted in a substantial growth in operational outcomes.

“Despite criminals’ endeavors to gain illicit advantages through contemporary trends, they will eventually be apprehended and face due punishment. To accomplish this, Project HAECHI will consistently evolve and expand its scope.”

Two Purple Notices were published during Operation HAECHI IV warning countries about emerging digital investment fraud practices.

One alerted INTERPOL member countries to a new scam detected in Korea involving the sale of Non-Fungible Tokens with promises of huge returns, which turned out to be a “rug pull”, a growing scam in the crypto industry where developers abruptly abandon a project and investors lose their money.

The second purple notice warned about the use of AI and deep fake technology to lend credibility to scams by enabling criminals to hide their identities and to pretend to be family member, friends or love interests.  

The UK leg of the operation reported several cases where AI-generated synthetic content was used to deceive, defraud, harass, and extort victims, particularly through impersonation scams, online sexual blackmail, and investment fraud. Cases also involved the impersonation of people known to the victims through voice cloning technology.

HAECHI operations are supported financially by Korea.

HAECHI IV participating countries:  Argentina, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Ghana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Korea, Romania, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Viet Nam.

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Illicit firearms: over 1,700 arrested in landmark operation across Asia

Source: Interpol (news and events)

LYON, France – In the first operation coordinated across Asia by INTERPOL against illicit firearms, authorities in 10 countries have made over 1,700 arrests and seized 714 firearms, 921 parts and components, and 45,383 rounds of ammunition.

From 13 – 24 November, Operation Trigger-Salvo II aimed to disrupt the cross-border movement of firearms, and determine potential links between transnational organized criminal groups, firearms trafficking and terrorists.

In Central, South and East Asia, small and light weapons have become the norm for terrorist groups and criminal organizations as they are inexpensive and easy to conceal, transport and access.

This was evidenced in Pakistan, where several hundred firearms, their parts, and ammunition were recovered, mainly in the provinces bordering with Afghanistan. This led to 614 arrests, new investigations and greater insights into the routes used by trucks from Afghanistan to ferry firearms and ammunition into Pakistan.

Mohsin Hassan Butt, Director General of Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency, said:

“Trigger-Salvo II was an important opportunity to disrupt the trafficking of firearms in border provinces with Afghanistan and to build a better understanding of trafficking routes to Pakistan and Central Asia.  Firearms from Afghanistan are a threat to Pakistan and Central Asia and we are in greater need to limit the diversion and trafficking of these firearms to neighbouring countries and beyond. We hope to repeat this type of initiative in the future.”

Curbing the transnational flow of illegal weapons is even more challenging in the region due to the high number of sophisticated firearms in circulation, porous borders, difficult terrain, and regional conflicts.

This security landscape is further complicated by the convergence of terrorist groups, foreign terrorist fighters and transnational organized criminal syndicates. The presence of such crime groups was highlighted when 254 suspected victims of human trafficking were rescued in the Philippines.

With trafficked weapons and associated criminal activities representing a funding source for criminals and terrorists, the operation also netted approximately 4.7 tons of drugs, while authorities in Kyrgyzstan seized 52 kg of gold ingots worth some USD 3.27 million.

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

“Illicit firearms facilitate other types of crime and pose a threat to regional and global security, whilst providing lucrative profits for criminals.”

“Through Operation Trigger Salvo II, INTERPOL’s role has been to help member countries not only remove illicit weapons from circulation, but strike at the transnational crime networks which often rely on existing smuggling routes to traffic weapons.” Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General

There were 614 arrests in Pakistan, where several hundred firearms, their parts, and ammunition were recovered.

The operation netted approximately 4.7 tons of drugs.

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan seized 52 kg of gold ingots worth some USD 3.27 million.

Mongolia was among the countries where INTERPOL mobile devices were deployed to border checkpoints, allowing for instant checks against its global databases.

Transport routes from Afghanistan to Pakistan were closely monitored during the operation.

Firearms compliance checks were held in Mongolia during Trigger Salvo II.

INTERPOL mobile devices were deployed to border checkpoints during the operation, allowing for instant checks against its global databases. These generated 92 hits, including 13 for individuals targeted by INTERPOL notices. Among these, a Korean national wanted internationally under a Red Notice for his alleged links to prostitution rings was arrested in the Philippines, where a Japanese national tied to the Luffy organized crime group behind financial scams and robberies was also arrested.

Through operations such as Trigger Salvo, in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) INTERPOL is supporting Central and Southeastern Asian law enforcement authorities to conduct further cross-border operations targeting the trafficking of firearms and other goods.

The operation was funded by China’s Ministry of Public Security.

Participating countries: Brunei, China (including Hong Kong and Macao), Indonesia, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore.

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2,114 seizures of endangered animals and timber in major international law enforcement operation

Source: Interpol (news and events)

LYON, France — Endangered animals including elephants, rhinos and pangolins, as well as protected timber, particularly tropical hardwoods, have been seized in a joint INTERPOL – World Customs Organization (WCO) operation to stop wildlife and timber trafficking.

From 2 – 27 October, customs and police officers coordinated some 500 arrests worldwide and more than 2,000 confiscations of animals and plants that are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) due to their threatened status. Any trade performed in breach of CITES is illegal.

The global operation, named Operation Thunder, involved police, customs, border control, environment, wildlife and forestry officials in 133 countries who worked together across borders. This marked the highest participation rate in Operation Thunder since the annual law enforcement campaign was launched in 2017.

Among the 2,114 seizures were more than 300kg of ivory, thousands of turtle eggs, 30 tonnes of plants, dozens of big cat body parts and rhino horns, as well as primates, birds and marine species.

Authorities also confiscated 2,624 cubic metres of timber which is equivalent to 440 standard shipping containers.

Czech Republic authorities intercept the smuggling of two golden handed tamarins

Brazilian authorities discover Toucan eggs smuggled in a passenger’s luggage. Toucans are an endangered and protected species.

Hundreds of parcels, suitcases, vehicles, boats and cargo transporters were examined as they are often used to conceal wildlife species like this turtle seized in Thailand

Customs and police confiscated over 2,000 CITES-protected animals and plants during Operation Thunder 2023, including this Pangolin in Botswana.

Brazi’sl targeted controls: dozens of timber plants were inspected during Operation Thunder 2023

A total of 1,370 live birds – such as these CITES-listed psittacines intercepted by Indian authorities – were seized during Operation Thunder 2023

A sample of protected species body parts (horns) intercepted in Argentina during Operation Thunder 2023

Seizures during Operation Thunder 2023 varied from timber to live animals and their derivatives such as these taxidermy specimens confiscated in Argentina

Two CITES-protected Capped Langur primates were intercepted by Bangladesh authorities during Operation Thunder 2023

Eggs of CITES-protected species are seized by Bolivian border authorities during Operation Thunder 2023

53 live primates – such as this monkey detected at a Bolivian border – were rescued during Operation Thunder 2023

A timber and logging plant in Brazil is inspected as part of Thunder 2023 global operations.

Brazil’s targeted controls: dozens of timber plants were inspected during Operation Thunder 2023

Although Operation Thunder 2023 results are still coming in, initial data has enabled police and customs to identify some clear trends:

  • 60 per cent of wildlife trafficking cases were linked to transnational organized crime groups, operating along routes also known for smuggling other illegal products.
  • Protected reptiles and marine life are being exploited for luxury brand fashion.
  • Online sales platforms are still being used to sell wildlife, timber and marine goods.
  • Illegal and legal timber are blended for transport to make it difficult to detect illegally logged wood.
  • Transnational organized crime groups resort to high levels of document fraud, particularly the use of forged certifications and CITES permits and permit reuse.

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said:

“Important and endangered animals, birds and plants are being put at risk of extinction by wildlife and timber traffickers. These appalling crimes not only deprive the world of unique animals and plants but also countries of their natural assets and resources.

“The costs to communities are even greater, because as this Operation shows, almost all environmental crime has links to other forms of crime including violence, corruption and financial crime, but also has strong links to transnational organized crimes groups.

“As the world grapples with the devastating consequences of environmental degradation and species extinction, INTERPOL and WCO are emerging as leaders in safeguarding biodiversity and world security.”

WCO Secretary General Dr Kunio Mikuriya said:

“As part of a comprehensive strategy, customs plays a pivotal role in disrupting criminal networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade. This is achieved by enforcing strict controls at borders, effectively closing off avenues for exploitation and financial gain available to traffickers.”

“At the forefront of this strategy, customs employs intelligence-sharing, championing collaboration, and adopting technological advancements. These measures are crucial to stay one step ahead of criminals, thereby ensuring that customs’ contribution to combating wildlife crime is dynamic, responsive and adaptive.”

INTERPOL and the WCO shared intelligence, coordinated investigations and pooled their resources to enable frontline police and customs officers to target, identify and arrest traffickers, including those operating online, as they tried to smuggle animals or timber across borders.   

Known traffickers wanted through INTERPOL’s Red Notice alert system were identified ahead of operations and were subsequently targeted when crossing borders.

Hundreds of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and cargo ships, were searched at checkpoints across all regions. Specialized sniffer dogs and X-ray scanners were deployed to detect hidden wildlife and camouflaged timber shipments. Hundreds of parcels, suitcases, vehicles, boats and cargo transporters were examined as they are often used to conceal transported wildlife species.

CITES Secretary General Ivonne Higuero said:

“The results of Operation Thunder 2023 again show that strong and coordinated responses between parties are crucial to tackle transnational criminal networks involved in wildlife crime.

“Well targeted, unified and coordinated efforts such as those mobilized through this global operation are exactly what is needed to overcome the threat posed by wildlife crime.”

Notes to editors

Now in its seventh year, Operation Thunder is a joint operation coordinated annually by INTERPOL and the WCO with the backing of CITES and the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime.

Thunder operations are funded by the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships, Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative, the US Agency for International Development and the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Operation Thunder 2023 coincides with the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference – Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28) which ends today after high level discussions on how to address pressing environmental challenges characterized by climate change and biodiversity loss.