Tags in this story
Crypto, Crypto Exchanges, Cryptocurrencies, Cryptocurrency, Cyber Police, Exchanges, FBI, Fraud, Fraud Schemes, Investigators, Law Enforcement, Money Laundering, National Police, Police, Prosecutors, Ransomware, Ukraine, US
Ukraine, US Shuts Down 9 Cryptocurrency Exchanges – Bitcoin News
Backed by US law enforcement, police in Ukraine have disrupted a network of crypto exchange services suspected of laundering criminal proceeds. The platforms are said to have processed dirty money obtained from ransomware attacks and various fraud schemes.
Cyberpolice, US investigators stop crypto exchanges in Ukraine
Officers from Ukraine’s Cyber Police Unit and Main Investigation Department, working with the Prosecutor’s Office, have seized nine cryptocurrency exchanges, the Ukrainian National Police announced. Representatives of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also took part in what the Ukrainian authorities described as a “multi-level international operation”.
The online platforms offered anonymous exchange of cryptocurrencies. They were hired to facilitate the legalization of illegal funds, a press release explained. Through these exchanges, criminals channeled digital assets obtained as a result of malware attacks and cyber fraud. Their services were advertised on closed hacker forums.
The network’s infrastructure, located on servers in the United States, a number of European countries and Ukraine, has been blocked during the operation. Investigators are now trying to identify all individuals involved in the criminal activities.
Visitors to 24xbtc.com, 100btc.pro, pridechange.com, 101crypta.com, uxbtc.com, trust-exchange.org, bitcoin24.exchange, paybtc.pro and owl.gold are now notified that their domains have been seized by law enforcement.
Ukrainian government agencies have been working to improve their expertise on cryptoassets. A report revealed in March that employees of the Cyberpolice, Asset Recovery and Management Agency and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) attended training courses organized by the world’s leading crypto exchange, Binance.
In November 2022, the Cybercrime Enforcement Unit dismantled a crypto-fraud scheme that reportedly makes over $200 million a year. The organizers lured investors through a chain of representative offices and customer centers across Europe. A $40 million Russian crypto pyramid was taken down in April.
Do you think Ukraine will expand cooperation with the US in law enforcement operations in the crypto space?
Image credit: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or an endorsement or recommendation of products, services or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is directly or indirectly responsible for damages or losses caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on content, goods or services mentioned in this article.
