Law enforcement authorities from the Netherlands and Belgium have announced a successful operation to dismantle a large-scale international criminal network specializing in crypto investment fraud. The scheme had been operating since at least 2021 and, at its peak, was stealing more than €100 million from victims every month.
According to investigators, the fraudsters created fake investment platforms promising high returns on cryptocurrency investments. They aggressively attracted investors through social media, advertising campaigns, and call centers, using social engineering tactics and high-pressure marketing. Thousands of people from various countries fell victim to the scam.
The operation to expose the network was carried out through joint efforts by Dutch police and Belgian law enforcement. As a result, searches were conducted, key suspects were arrested, and significant amounts of money and digital assets were seized. The exact number of arrests and the volume of confiscated assets have not yet been disclosed.
“This network posed a serious threat to the financial security of citizens. We are seeing criminals increasingly using cryptocurrency to mask their schemes,” said representatives of the law enforcement agencies.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working to identify all members of the criminal group and to return funds to the victims. Police urge citizens to exercise caution when investing in crypto assets and to verify platforms through official regulators.