Major Breakthrough in Operation Firestorm Against Cybercrime
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), in collaboration with Philippine authorities, has achieved a significant victory against international cybercriminals. Following a raid on a scam compound in Manila on October 3, 2024, over 250 suspected cybercriminals were arrested. This effort aims to protect Australians from romance, investment, and cryptocurrency scams under Operation Firestorm.
During the operation, AFP officers, alongside local agencies like the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), uncovered vital intelligence about Australian scam victims and the syndicates’ fraudulent practices. Key findings include their use of social media and dating apps to target men over 35, building trust before luring victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes.

The investigation also exposed the scammers’ sophisticated strategies, such as aligning work shifts with Australian time zones and utilizing advanced money laundering techniques. Over 300 computers, 1,000 mobile phones, and thousands of SIM cards were seized during the raid.
Assistant Commissioner David McLean hailed the operation as a critical milestone in combating offshore cybercrime. Insights gained from the raid will strengthen strategies to identify victims, dismantle similar scam centers, and prevent financial losses.
Australians are urged to remain vigilant, verifying online relationships, and being cautious with urgent requests for money or personal details. The AFP advises using resources like Report Cyber to report any suspicious activity.
The AFP’s Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre (JPC3) continues to work with global partners to disrupt these networks and safeguard Australians from cybercrime.
afp.gov