INTERPOL Flags Global Scam Compounds as Crypto Fraud Explodes

INTERPOL Warns of Rising Crypto Fraud Linked to Transnational Scam Hub

A new INTERPOL resolution has formally classified the network of scam compounds, long tied to human trafficking, coerced labour, and online fraud, as a transnational crime threat, with mentioning a sharp rise in global crypto fraud and the expansion of criminal hubs far beyond Southeast Asia.

Source: Interpol-Int

The results came during the organization’s General Assembly this week. Following that, the same week, delegates from different nations approved a series of measures to reinforce international police coordination and adopted the Strategic Framework 2026–2030, a roadmap aimed at strengthening worldwide responses to cyber-enabled financial crimes.

Scam Centres Emerges as a Global Threat

According to the newly released interpol report on global fraud - including crypto, criminal networks running scam compounds now affect victims from more than 60 countries. These hubs, often disguised as overseas job opportunities, traffic individuals into heavily guarded compounds where they are forced to run mass fraud operations – including investment scams, voice phishing, and sophisticated crypto frauds. 

A key warning in the interpol global financial fraud assessment highlights that these networks increasingly use advanced technologies such as AI-driven social engineering, deepfake impersonation, and anonymized crypto payment channels to evade detection, a growing concern addressed through the INTERPOL cybercrime strategy. 

Crypto Frauds Hit Levels in 2025

The broader digital asset landscape has become a prime target for these transnational criminal groups. Data from Chainalysis assessments show crypto fraud 2025 is now on track to become the most financially damaging year on record:

• $2.17 billion stolen from crypto services until mid-2025.

• The DPRK-linked $1.5 billion ByBit hack remains the largest single cryptocurrency theft in history

• At the current pace, losses could surpass $4 billion by year’s end

• Personal wallet compromises account for 23.35% of stolen funds, a growing share of the ecosystem

• Attackers have shifted to holding $8.5 billion in stolen funds on-chain, indicating evolving laundering behaviours

The global crypto fraud surge has also been geographically widespread, with significant victim concentrations reported in the U.S., Japan, Germany, Russia, Canada, South Korea, and Indonesia. Regions such as Eastern Europe, the Middle East and African continent show the fastest growth in case numbers.

Interpol’s New Blueprint for Coordinated Action: 2026–2030 Strategy

The General Assembly unanimously endorsed a set of international measures to intensify the response to scam networks and crypto-linked criminal activity. The blueprint includes: 

• Real-time intelligence-sharing on perpetrators, financial flows, and operational hotspots.

• Multinational joint operations to dismantle criminal infrastructures

• Targeting illicit assets connected to scam networks

• Standardized emergency protocols to rescue trafficked victims

• Global awareness campaign aimed at young people and job seekers vulnerable to recruitment scams

Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza emphasized the urgency of unified action, stating:

“To effectively counter these criminal networks, we must strengthen collaboration, improve information sharing and move forward with coordinated, decisive action.”

A Strengthened Global Mandate

The adoption of the INTERPOL Strategic Framework 2026–2030 establishes the organization as:

• A trusted global information hub

• A provider of world-class investigative support

• The leading voice in international law enforcement
  

With scam networks now recognized as a worldwide threat, INTERPOL’s updated mandate aims to deliver a coordinated and scalable response to emerging cyber-enabled crimes – especially those tied to cryptocurrency exploitation.

The 94th General Assembly will convene next year in Hong Kong, as INTERPOL continues to escalate its international offensive against cyber fraud, human trafficking, and the expanding global scam-compound industry.