The report highlights how fraud is connected with cybercrime, human trafficking and other forms of organised criminal activity.
Key findings include:
➡️ Industrialisation of fraud: Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled fraud is significantly more profitable, with agentic AI capable of automating end-to-end scam operations at scale;
➡️ Global criminal collaboration: Fraud networks are increasingly working with specialised money laundering (ML) groups, sharing tools, expertise and infrastructure to expand operations globally;
➡️ Rise of scam centres: Large-scale scam centres are now operating worldwide, often involving trafficked individuals forced to carry out fraud activities;
➡️ Expansion of fraud typologies: Sextortion is increasingly embedded within broader scams such as romance and investment fraud, often supported by AI-generated content;
➡️ Terrorist financing linkages: In some regions, terrorist groups are using fraud, including crypto-based scams, as a source of funding;
➡️ Enhanced law enforcement response: Increased international cooperation has led to a rise in INTERPOL led fraud cases and asset recovery efforts, supported by new initiatives such as Operation Shadow Storm; and
➡️ Global coordination efforts: INTERPOL is also issuing guidance on establishing national anti-scam centres to strengthen detection, disruption and cross-border coordination.
✅ Firms should strengthen fraud prevention frameworks, particularly around AI-enabled threats, while enhancing collaboration with law enforcement.