International Crackdown on Fraud Network Exploiting European Public Institutions Yields Major Seizures

International Crackdown on Fraud Network Exploiting European Public Institutions Yields Major Seizures

(IN BRIEF) German and Italian authorities, with the support of Eurojust and Europol, have successfully dismantled a large-scale fraud operation that targeted public institutions, cities, and municipalities. The suspects used phishing techniques to manipulate real invoices and divert payments meant for legitimate business partners into their own accounts, causing millions of euros in damages. After a year-long investigation, search warrants were executed simultaneously in Germany and Italy on 24 September 2024, resulting in the seizure of technology and assets, including mobile phones and computers. The authorities are continuing their investigation, analyzing the evidence collected.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 27-Sep-2024— /EuropaWire/ — An international operation led by German and Italian authorities, in coordination with Eurojust and Europol, successfully dismantled a large-scale fraud scheme targeting public institutions, cities, and municipalities across Europe. The fraudulent activity, which lasted for over a year, caused financial damage amounting to several million euros.

The fraudsters employed phishing tactics to access genuine invoices sent to public bodies and companies. They then altered these invoices to include their own banking details before sending them to unsuspecting recipients. As a result, the victims, including numerous public institutions, ended up transferring funds directly to the fraudsters instead of their intended business partners.

The investigation identified five key suspects holding both Italian and German citizenship. Given the cross-border nature of the crime, Eurojust initiated an international case to facilitate cooperation between German and Italian law enforcement. The agencies developed a coordinated strategy to search properties in both countries and gather crucial evidence.

On 24 September 2024, simultaneous raids were carried out in Germany and Italy, targeting ten locations. Europol supported the field operations by establishing a Virtual Command Post, enabling real-time coordination from its headquarters. During the searches, authorities seized mobile phones, computers, and data storage devices, which are now under investigation. Additionally, assets linked to the fraudulent scheme were provisionally secured, ensuring the proceeds of the crime remain inaccessible to the suspects.

The following authorities played key roles in the operation:

• Germany: Public Prosecution Office Leipzig – Central Cybercrime Office, and the Leipzig Criminal Investigation Department (Cybercrime Unit)
• Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office Naples and the Economic and Financial Police Units of the Guardia di Finanza in Naples, Verona, Treviso, and Bolzano

This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against cyber-enabled fraud targeting public institutions. Authorities continue to examine the seized assets and data to uncover further details of the criminal network.

Media Contact:

Eurojust Press Team
Phone: + 31 70 412 55 00
media@eurojust.europa.eu

Source: Eurojust