Joint Operation by Romanian and Moldovan Authorities Uncovers EUR 3 Million Financial Scam, 12 Arrested

Joint Operation by Romanian and Moldovan Authorities Uncovers EUR 3 Million Financial Scam, 12 Arrested

(IN BRIEF) Romanian and Moldovan authorities, supported by Eurojust and Europol, have dismantled an organized crime group responsible for defrauding over 150 victims through a fake investment scheme since 2022. The scam, which used false advertisements and fake investment platforms, resulted in approximately EUR 3 million in damages. On August 7, 12 individuals were detained following coordinated actions that included 19 house searches in Moldova. Authorities seized computers, data storage units, weapons, and documents.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 9-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Romanian and Moldovan authorities have successfully dismantled an organized crime group (OCG) responsible for defrauding over 150 victims through an elaborate financial scam since 2022. This operation, supported by Eurojust and Europol, culminated in the detention of 12 individuals on August 7. The OCG’s fraudulent activities have resulted in an estimated loss of approximately EUR 3 million.

The criminal group lured victims by posting fake advertisements online, promoting a bogus investment scheme promising secure, rapid, and substantial returns in virtual currencies. To enhance the credibility of their scam, the group used images of well-known personalities, logos of banks, and respected economic publications in their advertisements.

Once individuals clicked on these deceptive ads, they were directed to a counterfeit investment platform where they were asked to provide personal information. The scammers, masquerading as financial experts, then contacted the victims to extract further personal data, ultimately gaining access to their bank accounts. With this access, the OCG transferred funds and took control of the victims’ virtual currencies, amassing around EUR 3 million through their fraudulent activities.

The investigation began when Romanian victims reported the scam to local authorities, leading to the discovery of the organized crime group operating from Moldova. This prompted the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) at Eurojust, facilitating swift and effective cooperation between Romanian and Moldovan authorities to thwart the OCG.

On August 7, coordinated actions resulted in 19 house searches in Moldova, where authorities seized computers, data storage devices, weapons, ammunition, and crucial documents. Moldovan authorities have since ordered the preventive detention of 12 suspects.

Europol played a pivotal role during the operation by establishing a virtual command post to synchronize the activities, providing live cryptoanalysis, and performing cross-checks against Europol’s databases in real-time as data was gathered in the field.

Authorities Involved

• Romania: Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism – Central Structure
• Moldova: Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases

Media Contact:

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

SOURCE: EUROJUST