Operation HAECHI VI is a global Interpol operation that seized $439 million in criminal proceeds, including $97 million in cryptocurrencies, and froze nearly 400 crypto wallets—demonstrating increased cross-border cooperation to recover stolen digital assets and prosecute crypto-enabled crime.
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Interpol coordinated action seized $439 million across 40 jurisdictions.
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Authorities froze nearly 400 cryptocurrency wallets and blocked 68,000+ bank accounts.
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Recovered digital asset value from wallets: $16 million; arrests include 45 suspects in a major Portugal fraud.
Operation HAECHI VI: Interpol seizes $439M including $97M in crypto—read the facts and next steps for victims. Learn how authorities recover stolen funds. Read now.
What is Operation HAECHI VI and what did Interpol seize?
Operation HAECHI VI is an Interpol-led, multi-jurisdictional crackdown on cyber-enabled financial crime conducted April–August that recovered $439 million in criminal proceeds. The operation targeted investment fraud, money laundering, phishing, romance and e-commerce scams, freezing nearly 400 cryptocurrency wallets and blocking over 68,000 bank accounts.
How many countries and assets were involved?
HAECHI VI spanned 40 jurisdictions with financial support from South Korea. Participating nations included Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Seized assets totaled $439 million, of which $97 million were reported as cryptocurrencies and physical assets; $16 million was recovered from frozen digital wallets.
Why did Interpol focus on crypto-related cybercrime?
Interpol focused on crypto-related cybercrime because digital assets increasingly facilitate cross-border movement of illicit funds. Agencies cited growth in complex laundering techniques and the need for unified intelligence sharing. Experts from TRM Labs and Chainalysis—named here as authoritative industry sources—highlight that coordinated action delivers more effective seizures and arrests.
What enforcement results and notable cases emerged from HAECHI VI?
Key results include: $439M seized, 68,000+ bank accounts blocked, ~400 crypto wallets frozen, and targeted arrests such as 45 suspects in a Portugal fraud misappropriating social security payments from 531 victims. Interpol emphasized recoveries and cross-border prosecution as operational priorities.
How have other operations complemented HAECHI VI?
Recent complementary actions include an August operation retrieving $97.4 million and arrests of over 1,200 cybercriminals across 19 countries, and Operation Destabilise—announced December—yielding 84 arrests and $25.5 million in cryptocurrency seizures. These parallel actions show a pattern of intensified global cooperation.
| Operation | Period | Seized (Approx.) | Arrests |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAECHI VI | Apr–Aug | $439 million (incl. $97M crypto) | Multiple arrests; 45 in Portugal case |
| August multi-region action | August | $97.4 million | ~1,200+ |
| Operation Destabilise | Announced Dec | $25.5 million (crypto) | 84 |
How can victims report crypto-related fraud?
Victims should immediately report incidents to local law enforcement and provide transaction records, wallet addresses, and communication logs. Use formal channels that coordinate with international task forces; mention Interpol or national cybercrime units when filing reports to facilitate cross-border collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cryptocurrency was involved in the seizures?
Interpol reported approximately $97 million in cryptocurrencies and physical assets within the $439 million total. Authorities also recovered $16 million from frozen digital wallets during the operation.
Who supported HAECHI VI financially and operationally?
South Korea provided financial support for HAECHI VI. Participating law enforcement partners included agencies from countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, the UK and the US.
Key Takeaways
- Global cooperation matters: Joint operations recover significant assets and enable more arrests.
- Crypto is frequently used: Digital assets continue to be a tool for laundering and cross-border theft.
- Victim action steps: Preserve evidence, alert banks/exchanges, and report to law enforcement promptly.
Conclusion
Operation HAECHI VI underscores the growing emphasis on international cooperation to tackle crypto-enabled cybercrime. By seizing $439 million and freezing nearly 400 wallets, Interpol and partners demonstrated that coordinated intelligence and action can recover funds and disrupt networks. Victims and institutions should prioritize evidence preservation and cross-border reporting to support future operations and prosecutions.
