Europol: International operation dismantles crypto scam network suspected of laundering over €700 million

According to ME News, on December 5 (UTC+8), Europol issued a statement on Thursday announcing that a large-scale international operation had successfully dismantled a major cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering network, with the amount laundered exceeding 700 million euros. The operation spanned multiple jurisdictions and was carried out last month and earlier this week, marking the successful conclusion of a years-long investigation that effectively disrupted criminal activities across Europe and other regions. The criminal network operated numerous fake cryptocurrency investment platforms, attracting thousands of victims with advertisements promising high returns. Subsequently, criminal call centers used social engineering tactics to show victims inflated profits on fake trading platforms and pressured them to make additional payments. Once the funds were transferred, they were stolen and laundered through multiple blockchains and exchanges. The investigation revealed that the network involved multiple fraudulent platforms and a complex financial structure.

On October 27, 2025, the first phase of the operation was launched. At the request of French and Belgian authorities, police in Cyprus, Germany, and Spain conducted coordinated raids, arresting nine suspects and seizing assets worth millions of euros. From November 25 to 26, the second phase of the operation focused on the affiliate marketing infrastructure, with law enforcement teams from Belgium and other countries conducting actions supported by Europol. Investigative agencies will continue to track the assets of the criminal organization. (Source: MetaEra)