INTERPOL- 45,000 malicious IP addresses taken down in international cyber operation

An international operation against cybercrime has led INTERPOL to shut down over 45,000 harmful IP addresses and servers. This effort, known as Operation Synergia III, took place from July 18, 2025, to January 31, 2026, involving law enforcement agencies from 72 nations and regions. During the operation, 94 individuals were arrested, and investigations continue for another 110 suspects. INTERPOL stated that the operation transformed data into useful intelligence, encouraged cooperation across borders, and provided operational support to member countries. Initial investigations prompted coordinated actions by national authorities, which included raids at important sites and efforts to stop malicious cyber activities. A total of 212 electronic devices and servers were confiscated during this operation. Countries and territories that participated included Nigeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Eswatini, France, Gambia, Georgia, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, and Honduras. Others included Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Macao (China), Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Moldova, Mongolia, Niger, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Togo, Türkiye, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Neal Jetton, INTERPOL's Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, commented on the operation, saying, "Cybercrime in 2026 is more advanced and harmful than ever, but Operation Synergia III shows what can be achieved through global teamwork." He added that INTERPOL is leading the charge against cybercrime by bringing together law enforcement and private sector experts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt new threats, and protect victims worldwide. While some investigations are still in progress in the involved countries, early reports highlight various criminal tactics, such as fake websites, romance scams, and credit card fraud.