Mauritius Plays Crucial Role in Global Operation Against Online Financial Crime

Mauritius has played a crucial role in a global operation led by Interpol to combat online financial crime.

Operation HAECHI IV, which lasted for six months, resulted in 3,500 arrests and the seizure of assets worth $300 million across 34 countries, including Mauritius.

Mauritius actively collaborated with international agencies to dismantle cyber scams, targeting seven types of fraud.

Interpol froze bank accounts and Virtual Asset Service Providers, using their global payment blocking system.

The operation also led to the arrest of a high-level online gambling criminal in Manila, following a two-year manhunt.

Authorities blocked 82,112 suspect bank accounts, seizing $199 million in hard currency and $101 million in virtual assets.

Interpol issued “Purple Notices” to warn countries about new fraudulent practices, such as cryptocurrency scams and the use of AI and deepfake technology.

The “rug pull” scam, where developers abandon projects and investors lose money, has affected many in Mauritius.

AI-generated content and voice cloning technology have also been used in fraudulent activities.

Source: Defi Media