European Authorities Disrupt Cryptocurrency Scam Ring Netting Over EUR 600 Million
Date: November 4, 2025
In a significant international law enforcement action, judicial and police authorities coordinated by Eurojust have taken decisive steps to dismantle a highly sophisticated cryptocurrency scam network that reportedly defrauded victims of more than EUR 600 million. The operation marks one of the largest crackdowns against crypto-related money laundering and fraud in recent years within the European Union and beyond.
Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, played a pivotal coordination role in this cross-border investigation, which culminated in multiple arrests and disruption of a money laundering network that laundered funds via cryptocurrency platforms. The suspects established complex schemes that enabled the theft and laundering of funds using crypto investments under false pretenses.
The investigation involved close cooperation between various EU member states’ judicial and law enforcement authorities along with support from Europol, illustrating a growing commitment to address cyber-enabled financial crimes that transcend national borders. It is estimated that the criminal network victims were swindled out of over EUR 600 million through fake crypto investment platforms and fraudulent schemes.
According to Eurojust, the operation underscores the challenges law enforcement face combating cybercrime, especially in emerging sectors like cryptocurrency, where anonymity and rapid cross-border transactions complicate investigations. This enforcement milestone demonstrates how collaborative efforts, intelligence sharing, and judicial coordination within Europe can dismantle organized crime networks exploiting new technologies.
The suspects arrested are currently undergoing judicial processes in several countries, with ongoing measures planned to seize illicit assets and prevent further financial crimes. Authorities emphasize that continued vigilance is necessary to safeguard consumers and maintain integrity in the digital financial ecosystem.
Experts warn that cryptocurrency investment fraud remains a significant threat, often involving elaborate scams that promise unrealistically high returns or use fake platforms that appear legitimate. In response, European authorities have intensified initiatives such as the Cybercrime Judicial Monitor and the European Judicial Cybercrime Network to enhance capabilities in detecting and prosecuting these offences.
Eurojust’s statement highlights the importance of international legal cooperation against financial cybercrime and encourages all partner countries to engage actively in information exchange and joint actions.
This operation aligns with previous successful takedowns coordinated by Eurojust and Europol, including the dismantling of fake online investment platforms that scammed victims out of millions and disruptions of dark web marketplaces involved in illegal drug trade and money laundering.
The crackdown also reflects heightened awareness of the risks cryptocurrencies pose if exploited by criminal actors, indicating a trend toward more rigorous enforcement and regulation in the digital currency space within the European Union.
The public and potential investors are urged to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in cryptocurrency investments, given the increasing sophistication of fraud schemes.