The challenge of global cybercrime

Over the last decade, cybercrime has gone from being an isolated phenomenon to becoming a global underground market that affects individuals, businesses, and public administrations. INTERPOL explains that a single attack can involve actors located in different countries, malicious infrastructure scattered across multiple jurisdictions, and victims around the world. This transnational nature requires an equally international strategy: Only through collaboration between states and the private sector can an effective response be made.[2].

Economic losses due to cybercrime already equal the GDP of large economies, and are expected to double in the coming years. Furthermore, the line between traditional crimes and cybercrimes has become blurred; many classic offenses include digital components. Despite the technical component, the main weakness remains human: most security breaches begin with the manipulation of a person. For entrepreneurs, industrialists, or high-net-worth families, this implies a systemic risk that can affect their wealth, reputation, and even their personal freedom if they end up involved in international investigations.

How does INTERPOL respond?

INTERPOL is an intergovernmental organization that facilitates international police cooperation while respecting the sovereignty of states. Its Constitution entrusts it with “ensuring and promoting the greatest possible mutual assistance among all police authorities” and developing institutions that contribute to the prevention and suppression of common crimes[6]. The organization is governed by principles of national sovereignty, respect for human rights, neutrality, and active cooperation[7]. This means that INTERPOL does not carry out arrests or investigations on its own; it acts as a platform for coordination and information exchange between the police forces of the 195 member states[8].

In the area of cybercrime, INTERPOL works to reduce the global impact of cybercrime and protect communities[9]. Its lines of action focus on:

• Operational coordination: the organization coordinates international efforts, provides operational support, and participates in operations that dismantle criminal groups. A recent example is the operation carried out between 2024 and 2025 in seven African countries, where online fraud networks were dismantled and more than USD 100,000 was recovered[10].
• Intelligence sharing: through the Cyber Fusion Center, INTERPOL collects, analyzes, and shares intelligence on cyber threats. The processed information enables police forces to make informed decisions and respond in a coordinated manner to malware, ransomware, phishing, and scams[11].
• Capacity building: offers in-person and online training, workshops, simulation exercises, and institutional strengthening projects to help countries improve their response to cybercrime[12].
• Collaboration platformsINTERPOL has created two secure services for sharing information on cybercrime:
• Cybercrime Knowledge Exchange (CKE) – A space open to police forces, government agencies, and experts from the private sector. It allows for discussion of trends, prevention strategies, and investigation techniques.
• Cybercrime Collaborative Platform – Operations (CCP-O) – Platform restricted to operational agents, hosting independent workspaces to coordinate ongoing operations. It enables countries to visualize the full threat landscape and better focus their resources.
• Public-private partnershipsINTERPOL recognizes that much of the technical expertise lies with technology companies, financial institutions, and universities. Through formal agreements, the organization collaborates with partners who provide data, analysts, software, and training support. These alliances are crucial for quickly detecting and neutralizing threats.

How can a business owner or family report abuse or protect themselves?

A fundamental premise is that INTERPOL does not accept reports directly from the public.. According to the organization itself, victims or people with information about crimes should always contact the local or national police, even when the crime has an international component[17]. Investigations and arrests are carried out by the police forces of each country; INTERPOL acts as a bridge between them[18]. This implies that:

• If your company or family suffers a cyberattack involving actors in other countries, you should report it to the police or Civil Guard (in Spain) or to the relevant authority in your country of residence. They can request INTERPOL's assistance through the National Central Office (NCO) of the country.

For general inquiries, there is a contact form on the INTERPOL website. However, the organization itself warns that cannot respond to all requests and that messages related to investigations may be forwarded to national authorities[19]. The headquarters of the General Secretariat is located in Lyon, France, and its Global Innovation Complex in Singapore[20].

Recommendations for high-level clients

1. Report quickly: In the event of a cyberattack or scam, file a report with the Spanish or Venezuelan police (depending on your place of residence) as soon as possible. Provide all digital evidence (emails, server logs, screenshots). Prompt notification facilitates the preservation of evidence and international cooperation.
2. Specialized legal advice: The international legal framework is complex. A lawyer specializing in international criminal law and economic crimes can advise you on the applicable jurisdiction, the relevance of requesting assistance from INTERPOL, and the protection of your rights in multiple countries.
3. Prevention and compliance: Implement cybersecurity protocols, regular audits, and training in your organization. The staff training This is essential because the human factor remains the main vulnerability.
4. Reputation and media responseAttacks can have reputational consequences. Develop a response plan that includes communication advice and personal data protection.

Conclusion

Cybercrime poses unprecedented legal and operational challenges: transnational crimes, complex criminal structures, and victims spread across different continents. INTERPOL is not a traditional investigative agency.; its function is coordinate y facilitate international cooperation, providing intelligence, training, and secure platforms for law enforcement agencies[21]. Therefore, the appropriate channel for requesting their intervention is go to the local or national police, which will submit the request for cooperation through the relevant National Central Bureau[17].

For entrepreneurs, industrialists, and wealthy families operating in several countries, having specialized legal advice is essential. From Venfort Lawyers We offer support in filing complaints, preserving digital evidence, coordinating with national authorities, and defending clients in international proceedings. Our goal is to protect your assets and freedom, ensuring that any global investigation respects your rights and complies with the principles of sovereignty, human rights, and neutrality that govern INTERPOL. Contact us.

[1] [3] [4] [5] Cybercrime
[2] [9] [10] [11] [12] [16] [21] Cybercrime – our response
[6] [7] Legal documents
[8] [19] [20] Contact INTERPOL
[13] [14] Cybercrime Collaboration Services
[15] Public-private partnerships
[17] [18] Si necesita ayuda