On February 17, a coordinated international operation conducted by Eurojust involving law enforcement from Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine led to the dismantling of a fraudulent call center in Dnipro, Ukraine. This operation marked a significant step in combatting international fraud linked to counterfeit cryptocurrency investment platforms. Initial investigations revealed that victims, mainly from Latvia and Lithuania, have lost over 160,000 euros, with suspicions that more individuals may have fallen prey to these fraudulent practices.

The fraudulent scheme operated under the illusion of promising high returns on investments in cryptocurrencies, effectively luring victims into financial traps. During the special operation, law enforcement apprehended 11 individuals and carried out over 30 searches, confiscating various items including computer equipment, server gear, electronic data storage, documents, cryptocurrency wallets, and approximately 400,000 euros in cash, along with eight luxury vehicles. Notably, these operations took place under challenging conditions owing to the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the resilience and determination of the involved agencies.

Authorities in Klaipeda have disclosed further details surrounding the operation that not only illustrates the extent of the fraud but also emphasizes the collaborative international effort to combat such cross-border crimes. The ongoing investigation aims to identify additional victims and shut down similar fraudulent operations, as the market for cryptocurrency scams continues to thrive amid rising online fraud cases.