Interpol Operation Leads to 85 Arrests in Major International Crackdown
In a large-scale international operation led by Interpol, law enforcement agencies from 17 countries have successfully apprehended 85 individuals suspected of serious crimes, including violent offenses and involvement in transnational organized crime. The coordinated effort spanned six months, from June to November, and targeted high-priority fugitives across multiple jurisdictions.
According to Interpol headquarters in Lyon, the initiative focused on identifying and capturing individuals wanted for crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, offenses against children, rape, human trafficking, and money laundering. Among those detained, 19 had outstanding warrants for murder, 29 for drug-related offenses, 28 for crimes against minors, and seven for rape. Authorities also reported the identification of 18 additional suspects, with further arrests anticipated as investigations continue.
A key objective of the operation was to facilitate real-time information exchange between national law enforcement agencies, allowing for the prioritization and pursuit of 184 high-profile cases. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of cross-border collaboration in tackling complex criminal networks that often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade capture.
Notable arrests included the detention of a woman in Spain, considered one of Chile's most sought-after fugitives. She is alleged to have ties to the notorious criminal organization Tren de Aragua and is accused of orchestrating cryptocurrency fraud amounting to approximately 150 million US dollars. Authorities believe the proceeds from these activities were used to launder funds originating from drug trafficking and extortion across Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Iberian Peninsula.
In Portugal, law enforcement apprehended a Brazilian national suspected of links to the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), one of Brazil's largest and most influential criminal organizations. The group is widely known for its involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime. The arrest is seen as a significant disruption to a major cocaine smuggling route between São Paulo and Europe.
Additionally, authorities in the United Arab Emirates detained an Albanian citizen who is believed to have attempted to conceal cocaine shipments from Ecuador by disguising them as banana exports. This case highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by organized crime groups to facilitate international drug trafficking.
The operation formed part of a European Union-funded project designed to establish a permanent international network for tracking fugitives. Interpol contributed to the effort by providing cybercrime analysis, forensic data exchange, and secure communication systems to support cross-border investigations.
Officials have emphasized the ongoing nature of these efforts, with further arrests expected as authorities continue to analyze and act upon intelligence gathered during the operation. The success of this initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating global organized crime and enhancing public safety.