INTERPOL’s four-month “Operation First Light 2026” led to the arrest of 5,811 fraud suspects and the recovery of $293 million across 97 countries, including Nigeria, targeting social engineering scams that victimised over 142,000 people worldwide.

INTERPOL Nabs 5,800 Yahoo Boys Globally

INTERPOL just dealt a major blow to global scam syndicates — and the numbers are staggering.

According to a report by Peoples Gazette, the police body announced Thursday that its “Operation First Light 2026,” running from January 15 to April 30, led to 5,811 arrests and the interception of $293 million in illicit assets across 97 countries and territories.

The operation targeted social engineering scams — including romance, investment, sextortion and business email fraud — identifying over 142,000 victims globally. INTERPOL also blocked 31,014 bank accounts and solved 23,715 cases.

In Nigeria, police collaborated with INTERPOL to arrest and extradite Samuel “PutSammy” Ugberaese, a South Africa-based Nigerian fraudster linked to multimillion-dollar US romance scams.