Europol managed to dismantle a phishing gang that was stealing millions. The suspects were sending emails and messages text with phishing links that led to fake banking websites. In an internationally coordinated operation, the fraudsters were arrested by police in Belgium and the Netherlands.
The criminal group communicated with their victims via email, text messages and mobile messaging applications. The gang members sent these messages leading to fake banking websites. Believing that they could access bank accounts through this site, the victims provided their bank information to the fraudsters.
The results of the investigation show that the criminal network managed to deprive its victims of many millions of euros through these activities. They then used money couriers to transport and disburse these money. Members of the group are linked to drug-trafficking and possible arms-trafficking cases.
It was one coordinated cross-border operation to dismantle this organized crime gang involved in phishing, scams and money laundering.
Belgium participated in the operation, with the support of Europol police (Police Fédérale/Federale Politie) and the Dutch police (Politie). The operation, conducted on June 21, 2022, was completed with:
9 συλλήψεις στην Ολλανδία
24 έρευνες σε σπίτια στην Ολλανδία
Κατάσχεση πυροβόλων όπλων, πυρομαχικών, κοσμημάτων, ηλεκτρονικών συσκευών, μετρητών και κρυπτονομισμάτων
Europol facilitated the exchange of information, operational coordination and provided detailed research support. During the operation, Europol sent three experts to the Netherlands to provide real-time support to on-site researchers.
