Authorities, supported by Eurojust and Europol, dismantled an international investment fraud scheme after shutting down more than 100 servers and arresting seven suspects, with estimated losses of over EUR 4 million. The operation followed earlier arrests and searches in 2022 and 2025. Victims were allegedly lured by seemingly legitimate online trading platforms offering huge profits in a short period. Investigators said the fraudsters promised returns from trading in cryptocurrencies, foreign currencies and stocks. Victims were shown inflated profits after transferring small sums, making the platform appear legitimate. Once victims showed interest, alleged brokers used psychological pressure to push further investments. When victims asked to withdraw their money, the perpetrators allegedly stalled them until they disappeared. The case began after a German couple filed a complaint in 2022, saying they could not withdraw profits after investing their savings through an online platform. More than four years later, a first international action day led to two arrests and the seizure of large amounts of evidence. After analysis, investigators identified seven more suspects, including managers of call centres used to convince victims to invest more. A second international action day resulted in additional arrests and further evidence and money seized. The latest operation targeted alleged “crime-as-a-service” supplied by a company based in Cyprus and Israel. Authorities also identified suspected clients in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, believed to run fraudulent call centres. During raids across 17 locations, including a call centre in Kosovo, authorities seized more than 100 servers, along with other evidence and assets. Seven suspects were arrested for surrender or extradition to Germany. Eurojust coordinated the judicial actions, while Europol provided data cross-checks, digital forensic support and on-the-ground assistance from a virtual command post.