Singapore – The escalating sophistication of cybercrime, fueled by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, is forcing a fundamental shift in defensive strategies at Interpol. The global policing organization is bolstering its capabilities in Singapore, a key hub for its cybercrime operations, to counter threats ranging from highly convincing phishing scams to sophisticated disinformation campaigns.
According to Interpol’s Singapore-based director of cybercrime, Neal Jetton, the “weaponisation of AI by cybercriminals” represents the most significant threat currently facing the organization. “They are using it in whatever way they can,” Jetton, who is seconded from the US Secret Service, told AFP. This sentiment underscores a growing concern within the international security community about the accessibility and potency of AI-powered malicious tools.
Interpol’s facility in Singapore, part of the Interpol Global Complex for Innovation, serves as a nerve center for intelligence sharing and proactive threat mitigation. The complex, the organization’s second headquarters after Lyon, France, houses the Cyber Fusion Center, connecting 196 member countries in a real-time exchange of critical data. Specialists within the facility are tasked with analyzing massive datasets – web addresses, malware variants, and hacker aliases – to identify and disrupt emerging cyberattacks before they can inflict widespread damage.
The scale of the challenge is daunting. Jetton emphasized the “sheer volume” of cyberattacks as a primary concern, predicting a continued expansion in both frequency and complexity. This necessitates a broader public awareness campaign, he added, to educate individuals about the increasing likelihood of becoming targets.
The proliferation of AI-driven tools is lowering the barrier to entry for cybercriminals. Previously requiring specialized skills, malicious activities like creating convincing deepfakes – realistic but fabricated audio and video – are now within reach of even low-skilled actors. These deepfakes are increasingly used to endorse fraudulent investment schemes and disseminate disinformation, making it harder for individuals to discern legitimate communications from scams.
The threat landscape extends beyond individual targets. Crime syndicates, operating with the structure and resources of multinational corporations, are exploiting AI to target states and corporations for substantial financial gain. Interpol’s response involves not only reactive investigations but also proactive disruption of these criminal networks.
Christian Heggen, coordinator of the Cyber Intelligence Unit, described the challenge as confronting a “large ecosystem of cybercriminals” employing “a number of different attack vectors.” He highlighted the existence of a “black market” where stolen data, malware, and spying tools are bought and sold, requiring Interpol to understand the intricate dynamics of this illicit marketplace.
To enhance its capabilities, Interpol is forging partnerships with private sector entities specializing in finance, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency analysis. This collaboration aims to leverage the expertise and resources of the private sector to complement Interpol’s own investigative efforts.
Recent operations demonstrate Interpol’s commitment to tackling cybercrime on a global scale. In 2025, “Operation Secure” saw 26 countries collaborate to dismantle over 20,000 malicious internet protocol addresses and domains linked to data theft. “Operation Serengeti 2.0,” coordinated from Singapore and spanning across Africa, resulted in the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals, the recovery of over US$97 million (S$122.5 million), and the dismantling of 11,432 malicious infrastructures.
Interpol is also actively supporting crackdowns on online scam centers in Southeast Asia, providing intelligence and resources to local law enforcement agencies. This regional focus reflects the growing concentration of cybercriminal activity in the area.
Looking ahead, Interpol is grappling with the long-term implications of increasingly autonomous AI systems. Toshinobu Yasuhira, head of the Interpol Innovation Centre, raised a fundamental question: “Should we arrest people who program the AI, or who utilise AI, or should we arrest the AI itself?” He acknowledged the ethical and legal complexities of holding an artificial intelligence accountable for its actions, noting that “AI doesn’t have any soul, heart.”
The organization is investing in cutting-edge technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and quantum technology, to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Paulo Noronha, a digital forensics expert from Brazil’s Federal Police, emphasized the importance of continuous innovation in maintaining a defensive advantage. “It’s up to us to stay ahead of criminals,” he said, “That’s why we have systems like these.”
The work of Interpol’s cybercrime unit often operates behind the scenes, providing crucial support for investigations and operations worldwide. As one intelligence analyst noted, “We’re providing key support for operations and investigations around the world.” The organization’s efforts are vital to safeguarding global security in an increasingly interconnected and digitally vulnerable world.
