The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and its industry partners have successfully thwarted approximately $83 million in losses to scammers and criminal syndicates globally since 2020, as part of their efforts to combat cybercrime. This achievement was made possible through the Operation Dolos joint taskforce, which focuses on investigating and disrupting international cybercrime operations that target Australia’s economy and way of life.
With over 100 ongoing cybercrime investigations, the AFP continues to face challenges posed by sophisticated crimes perpetrated by international organized cybercrime groups using advanced technology. To counter these threats, the AFP collaborated with the Australian Signals Directorate in 2024 under Operation Aquila, utilizing offensive cyber capabilities to investigate and disrupt international cybercriminal syndicates, particularly focusing on ransomware threat groups.
The AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3) played a crucial role in coordinating national efforts with law enforcement agencies to address high-harm and high-threat cyber issues. Operation Nebulae, a key initiative under JPC3, involved the global takedown of a phishing-as-a-service platform named LabHost, with the AFP contributing to this successful operation.
Furthermore, in a significant development, five individuals were arrested in Australia following a police operation that dismantled a platform used to steal personal credentials from victims worldwide, including over 94,000 individuals in Australia. This arrest showcased the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combatting cybercrime and safeguarding the interests of the community.
In addition to tackling cybercrime domestically, the AFP launched Operation Firestorm in 2024 to target organized crime groups operating scam centers in South-East Asia and Eastern Europe. This operation, supported by AFP cybercrime liaison officers stationed in various countries, aimed to identify Australian victims affected by a scam center that was shut down in October, leading to the arrest of over 250 suspected cyber criminals in the Philippines.
The AFP also participated in a National Day of Action in 2024, along with law enforcement agencies across Australia, to disrupt cyber criminals using SIM boxes to send scam text messages to the community. Through the coordinated efforts of the JPC3, six alleged offenders were identified, and significant quantities of SIM boxes and cards were seized, contributing to the overall fight against cyber fraud.
Assistant Commissioner Richard Chin emphasized the AFP’s unwavering commitment to investigating high-level organized cybercrime and combating criminal activities conducted online. He stressed the importance of collaboration with international partners to protect Australians from cyber threats and hold offenders accountable, both locally and overseas.
Looking ahead to 2025, the AFP remains dedicated to relentlessly pursuing organized cybercrime syndicates and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice. With a proactive approach to educating the public about cybercrime prevention and providing resources to enhance cybersecurity awareness, the AFP aims to empower all Australians to safeguard themselves against digital threats.
As the threat of cybercrime persists, the AFP urges individuals to watch their cybercrime prevention videos and report any incidents to the police promptly. By raising awareness and fostering a collective effort to combat cyber threats, the AFP strives to create a safer online environment for everyone. If you are a victim of cybercrime, it is essential to report it to the authorities using the Report Cyber platform to help in the investigation and prevention of future cyber incidents.