UAE-Led Global Operation Traces More Than $39 Billion in Scam-Linked Funds and Crypto, Leading to 960+ Arrests

A three-month international crackdown led by the United Arab Emirates has traced more than $39 billion in funds and cryptocurrencies tied to scam activity and led to more than 960 arrests, the UAE Ministry of Interior announced on October 22. The initiative, called Operation Confrontation Ghost, brought together law enforcement agencies from 30 countries, along with INTERPOL, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and 13 companies from the technology and financial sectors. It ran from July 1 to September 30, 2026, and targeted three fast-growing categories of crime: AI-enabled fraud, digital financial fraud and technology-facilitated sextortion.