The dismantling of an alleged illegal online gambling syndicate is a strong example of what can be achieved through the combined efforts of all parties involved in the investigations.

This is according to National Commissioner of Police Manoma Vusi Masango. In comments made in an interview with the Times of Eswatini, Masango said the international recognition given to Eswatini was not something that belonged to the police alone. Although the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) received honor for its role, he said the success reflected the work of many stakeholders.

Masango made the remarks after INTERPOL identified Eswatini as one of the countries that contributed to Operation First Light 2026, a global anti-fraud effort. He said the operation resulted in the interception of illicit assets worth about US$293 million (approximately E4.81 billion) and led to the arrest of 5,811 suspects across 97 countries and territories.

“We appreciate all the stakeholders who worked with us throughout the investigations. We do not take this recognition lightly. It is recognition for everyone who played a role in ensuring the success of this operation,” Masango said.

He added that the investigation showed what could be achieved when government institutions and international partners work together to combat organized crime. Masango also revealed that Eswatini’s work had been singled out for praise by International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza during a recent international meeting.

According to Masango, the secretary general commended Eswatini’s efforts, explaining that intelligence generated from the investigation supported law enforcement in other countries.

“He indicated that the work done in Eswatini resulted in further arrests in other countries,” Masango said.

Masango further said that Cambodia was among the countries where intelligence linked to similar criminal operations reportedly led to the arrest of about 200 suspects. He also disclosed that investigators have since identified some of the people who were allegedly defrauded by suspects operating from Eswatini. He said even though the alleged syndicate operated from within the kingdom, victims were located in different countries, highlighting the transnational nature of the criminal enterprise.

“The country was being used as a theatre of operation, but the victims were in other jurisdictions. Some of those victims have now been identified through the investigations,” he said.

Masango said the case underscores the importance of cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and international policing organisations in combating cyber-enabled organised crime. He added that investigations are continuing, including the analysis of digital evidence seized during the operation, to determine the full extent of the alleged criminal activities and to identify any additional links to international criminal networks.

He reiterated that Eswatini’s recognition should motivate all stakeholders involved in law enforcement to strengthen cooperation in fighting transnational organised crime.

“It is not about the police only. It is about every stakeholder that worked with us. Without that cooperation, this success would not have been possible,” he said.

He also noted that Eswatini participated in the operation alongside countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The results of Operation First Light 2026, he said, reflect the changing nature of crime, where criminal networks can operate without needing physical borders. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to analyze the seized digital evidence to establish the full scale of the suspected criminal activities and identify any additional local and international links.

Source: Times of Eswatini