Global Law Enforcement Agencies Dismantle Darknet Marketplace Monopoly Market, Arrest 288 and Seize $53.4 Million

On May 2, 2023, Europol announced a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies from the U.S., Europe, the U.K., and Brazil culminated in 288 arrests, along with the confiscation of 850 kg of illegal drugs, 117 firearms, and $53.4 million in cash and cryptocurrencies. This joint venture, named “Operation Spector,” successfully dismantled the darknet marketplace … Read more

Bitzlato to Restore Operations and Withdrawals From Russia, Co-founder Vows

Russia-linked cryptocurrency exchange Bitzlato, seized by Western law enforcement, plans to relaunch and permit partial withdrawals, a co-founder announced. Members of the trading platform’s team also intend to relocate the business to the Russian Federation. Co-Founder Says Exchange Will Provide Access to User Funds Crypto exchange Bitzlato is taking steps to restore operations and immediately … Read more

Bitzlato Executives Arrested in Europe, Exchange Laundered €1 Billion, Europol Says

European law enforcement authorities have detained four more members of the executive team of crypto exchange Bitzlato, Europol announced. According to the police agency, nearly half of the funds processed through the platform were associated with various criminal activities. Bitzlato Senior Management Targeted in Europe, Exchange Infrastructure Dismantled High-ranking executives of the recently busted Bitzlato … Read more

Estonia, US Arrest 2 Suspects in $575 Million Crypto Fraud Scheme

Law enforcement officers from Estonia and the United States have arrested two men for allegedly committing a large-scale cryptocurrency fraud. The Estonian nationals, who ran a crypto mining service and a fake virtual currency bank, laundered their proceeds, spent on cars and real estate, and donated to a politician. Estonian Police, FBI Detain 2 Crypto … Read more

US Charges Russians, Venezuelans for Sanctions Evasion Using Cryptocurrency

A group of Russian and Venezuelan nationals have been charged by U.S. authorities for their roles in a scheme to circumvent Western sanctions and launder money on a global scale. They have been accused of obtaining military technologies from American companies, smuggling oil, and disguising money flows for Russian oligarchs through shell companies and crypto … Read more

Israel Arrests 3 in Crypto Scheme to Launder Millions Stolen From France

Police in Israel have detained three suspects who allegedly laundered millions of euros stolen from the French treasury through cryptocurrency transactions. The money came from government grants for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Israeli Law Enforcement Busts Money-Laundering Ring Using Coins to Clean Money for French Fraudsters Three people have been arrested in Israel … Read more

Another 6 Members of Finiko Crypto Pyramid Arrested in Russia

Russian law enforcement authorities have detained six more members and executives of the notorious crypto Ponzi scheme Finiko. Police in the Republic of Tatarstan and Russia proper have conducted dozens of searches as part of an ongoing investigation into the pyramid, which defrauded investors around the world. New Arrests in Finiko Case Made in Russian … Read more

Crypto Pyramid Busted in Russia, Losses Exceed $10 Million

Russian law enforcement agencies have gone after the organizers of a large crypto pyramid which has been promising extraordinarily high returns. The Ponzi scheme is being unraveled after a similar project defrauded thousands of investors in Russia, the region, and far beyond. Police Find Crypto Pyramid Organizers in Dagestan, Russia Officers from the Federal Security … Read more

Russia Takes Down 4 Carding Sites With Over $260 Million in Crypto Turnover

Law enforcement in Russia has blocked major sites on the dark web, including a carding market leader. The platforms have been seized amid ongoing investigations into hacking groups, with Russian authorities ramping up efforts to dismantle the cybercrime rings and detain their members. Interior Ministry of Russia Hits Stolen Credit Cards Market The Ministry of … Read more