A major international operation has disrupted an investment-fraud network that may have targeted victims in at least 50 countries. Coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, the action led to the seizure of more than 100 servers and the arrest of seven suspects. The investigation was led by Germany’s Itzehoe Public Prosecutor’s Office and involved authorities from Albania, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Israel, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Investigators estimate that victims lost more than EUR 4 million through fake online trading platforms.
The scam followed a familiar but highly effective pattern. Fraudsters used misleading advertisements promising fast and substantial returns from cryptocurrency, foreign exchange, and stock trading. Victims were directed to websites that appeared to be legitimate investment platforms, where they were encouraged to make an initial deposit. Once money was transferred, the platform displayed fictitious profits to build trust and persuade victims to invest larger amounts.
The deception became clear when victims attempted to withdraw their funds. Instead of receiving their money, they faced delays, excuses, and eventually a complete loss of contact from the supposed brokers. The scheme reportedly relied on a “crime-as-a-service” model: a company allegedly based in Cyprus and Israel supplied fraudulent trading websites to criminal groups, which then operated call centres to pressure victims into handing over their savings.
The latest operation followed more than four years of investigation. It began in 2022 after a German couple reported that they could not withdraw money they had invested through an online trading platform. Early action that year resulted in two arrests and the seizure of evidence, while further interventions in 2025 helped investigators identify the infrastructure provider and suspected call-centre operators in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.
During the coordinated action, police searched 17 locations, including a call centre in Kosovo, and seized servers, digital evidence, assets, and other materials. Seven suspects were arrested and are expected to face surrender or extradition proceedings to Germany. The case demonstrates how online investment fraud can operate across borders, combining fake websites, stolen personal data, and call-centre pressure tactics. Authorities’ message is clear: guaranteed high returns, urgent deposit requests, and difficulty withdrawing funds are major warning signs of investment fraud.
Read the original article:
Europol Dismantles Global Investment Scam, Seizes 100+ Servers