An international law enforcement operation supported by Europol and Eurojust has dealt a major blow to an online investment fraud network, resulting in seven arrests and the shutdown of more than 100 servers.
Authorities searched 17 locations across several countries, targeting a criminal organisation suspected of defrauding victims of more than €4 million through fake online investment platforms. The operation follows previous arrests and searches conducted in 2022 and 2025.
The investigation began in 2022 after a German couple reported losing their savings through an online investment platform. Although the platform initially showed substantial profits, the couple were unable to withdraw their money.
Investigators subsequently uncovered an international fraud scheme targeting victims around the world.
The criminals advertised seemingly legitimate investment opportunities involving cryptocurrencies, foreign currencies and stocks, promising enormous returns within a short period.
Victims were initially encouraged to transfer relatively small amounts of money. The platforms then displayed artificially inflated profits to create the illusion of successful investments. Alleged brokers used psychological pressure to persuade victims to transfer increasingly larger sums.
When investors attempted to withdraw their money, they were confronted with excuses and delaying tactics. Eventually, the fraudsters disappeared, leaving victims with substantial financial losses.
Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo targeted.
One of the most significant findings of the investigation was the identification of a company operating from Cyprus and Israel that allegedly provided criminal groups with so-called ‘crime-as-a-service’ operations.
According to investigators, the company supplied fraudulent websites used to carry out online investment scams.
Authorities also identified suspected clients of the company in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, who are believed to have operated fraudulent call centres used to persuade victims to invest their money.
During the latest coordinated operation, authorities searched 17 locations, including a call centre in Kosovo. More than 100 servers, along with additional evidence and assets, were seized.
Seven suspects were arrested and are expected to face surrender or extradition proceedings to Germany.
International cooperation leads to breakthrough
The operation involved law enforcement and judicial authorities from Germany, Cyprus, Finland, Albania, Israel, Kosovo and Macedonia.
Eurojust coordinated judicial cooperation, including European Investigation Orders, arrest warrants and asset-freezing measures. Two joint investigation teams were established to facilitate cooperation between the participating countries.
Europol provided intelligence analysis, cross-checked information against its databases and deployed specialists to Albania and Kosovo to assist with digital forensic investigations.
The operation represents the latest phase of an investigation lasting more than four years, demonstrating the international scale of online investment fraud and the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling financial cybercrime.
Authorities continue to investigate the network and the individuals allegedly involved in the fraudulent activities.
