‘European bitcoin cartel struck in Paris, Milan, Amsterdam and Maastricht’ | Inland

This is reported by the Public Prosecution Service (OM) in Antwerp. The organisation, which is described by the Public Prosecution Service as ‘European structured’, has been making victims for a long time. “They looked for their potential victims via online platforms where real estate from a higher segment is for sale,” spokesperson Kristof Aerts explains to Het Nieuwsblad.

In the criminal world, it would not be unusual to go abroad for business meetings. This is done to make the work of the police services more difficult, or to impress the victims.

“Physical agreements were made in a country other than the one their victim comes from,” Aerts said. “This includes Amsterdam, Maastricht, Brussels, Paris, Barcelona or Milan.”

In the trap

Once the intended victim agreed to a physical meeting about the sale of his or her property, an additional deal was proposed. “For example, they were asked whether they could exchange large denominations of cash for small denominations of cash. Or gold against cash or crypto coins against cash,” explains Aerts.

“The lure is a generous commission of 10 to even 15% that the potential victim is promised.”

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Real estate bosses who took the plunge became the victims of a switch trick. They had lost their bitcoins, gold or cash. They themselves were left with counterfeit bills that the gang had smeared them.

Exactly how many victims the gang has made is still being calculated. Belgian detectives also take into account that not all victims will report the crime, so as not to get into trouble with the tax authorities. “In this phase of the investigation, the organization seems to have stolen tens of millions of euros every year,” said Aerts.

It appears that the gang was involved in the scam for about a year.

Arrests in the Netherlands

Three arrests have been made in the Netherlands so far. Investigators also seized a large sum of counterfeit and real money, as well as several exclusive expensive watches and wallets with crypto coins, according to the Antwerp court.

Last week, two more alleged gang members were arrested in Belgium. It concerns a 29-year-old Italian and a 38-year-old Belgian woman. Another suspect was arrested in July. “They are suspected of hacking, computer fraud, theft, money laundering and membership in a criminal organization,” said Aerts.

Warning

Police and justice want to warn the population and make them aware of this type of fraud. “The message is: never accept an appointment abroad, do not accept an ancillary deal in cash, cryptocurrencies or the like and indicate that you only want to complete transactions through the normal channels,” it sounds. “A proposed commission of 10% to 15% is too good to be true, and is therefore false.”

Despite the various arrests, the organization appears to be still active. “At the moment, potential victims are still being approached and there are still victims,” ​​warns the judiciary. International arrest warrants have been issued for several fugitive suspects.

Duped? Then we would like to get in touch with you. Use our WhatsApp tip line: +31613650952 or send an email to [email protected].

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