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Europol takes down crypto and laundering network worth 700 million

Date:
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:10:00 +0000

Description:
A two-stage campaign resulted in the arrest of nine and the seizure of cash,
crypto, and other valuables.

FULL STORY

Europol and multiple national law enforcement agencies recently took down a
cryptocurrency and money laundering network worth more than 700 million. The
network extended to multiple countries, and spanned fake exchange platforms,
fake customer support centers, and fake affiliate marketing infrastructure. 

The takedown resulted in more than a million dollars in seized assets, and 
the arrest of nine suspects. 

What began as an investigation into a single fraudulent cryptocurrency
platform gradually unfolded into a complex, far-reaching operation, revealing
a vast network of deceit and money laundering, Europol said. 

Second phase - affiliate marketing

In a press release shared earlier this week, the police agency explained that
the operation was split into two parts. In the first part, coordinated police
raids were executed in Cyprus, Germany, and Spain. 

In these raids, the police seized around $930,000 in bank accounts, around
$500,000 in cryptocurrencies, and around $350,000 in cash. They also seized
digital devices, high-value watches, and arrested nine people suspected of
laundering the cryptos stolen through fake investment and trading platforms . 

The crooks would develop fake crypto investment platforms, lure thousands of
victims with sophisticated advertising, and then repeatedly contact them
through criminal call centers to pressure them into investing even more. 

In the second phase, the operation focused on affiliate marketing
infrastructure that supported the online scam. Coordinated actions were taken
against the companies and suspects behind fraudulent advertising campaigns on
social media platforms, the announcement reads. 

This is the kind of advertising that promises high returns on low 
investments, with zero to no risk. In many instances, they include deepfake
videos of celebrities, politicians, and tech gurus such as Donald Trump, Elon
Musk, or Michael Saylor. Europol says that just the data of potential
investors obtained this way is vital to the functioning of the crypto-scam
industry. 

======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/europol-takes-down-crypto-and-launderin
g-network-worth-700-million

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