INTERPOL Leads Major MENA Cybercrime Bust

An INTERPOL-led operation in the MENA region has resulted in 201 arrests, disrupting major cybercrime networks and identifying hundreds more suspects.

INTERPOL has coordinated a large-scale cybercrime operation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), leading to the disruption of major criminal networks. The initiative involved law enforcement from 13 countries and ran from October 2025 to February 2026. This coordinated effort resulted in the arrest of 201 individuals and the identification of 382 additional suspects. The primary objective was to investigate and neutralize malicious infrastructure used for cybercrimes and apprehend the perpetrators. This operation is being highlighted as a first-of-its-kind crackdown for the region, demonstrating a significant step up in international cooperation against digital threats.

This operation is significant for businesses and security teams as it directly impacts the threat landscape. The dismantling of these networks may lead to a temporary decrease in malicious activities originating from the region, but organizations should remain vigilant. The success of this multi-country effort serves as a powerful deterrent to other criminal groups and underscores the growing effectiveness of cross-border law enforcement collaboration. For security leaders, it reinforces the importance of threat intelligence sharing. While a major victory, the cybercrime ecosystem is resilient. The focus will now shift to prosecuting the suspects and analyzing seized data, which may reveal new insights into criminal tactics.

This operation marks a significant step in international law enforcement collaboration against cybercrime, particularly in the MENA region. It demonstrates a more proactive, coordinated approach to dismantling the infrastructure that supports global cyber threats.

The disruption of these networks may lead to a temporary reduction in cyber threats like phishing and malware originating from the region. It serves as a deterrent but also highlights the need for businesses to remain vigilant as the threat landscape is constantly evolving.