Albanian Police Dismantle Cybercrime Gang Defrauding Thousands
Albanian authorities have successfully dismantled a notorious criminal gang in the city of Kortsa, marking a significant victory in the battle against cybercrime. The gang, composed of skilled fraudsters led by a 30-year-old man from Tirana and a 29-year-old from Kortsa, had orchestrated an intricate online fraud operation that defrauded thousands of Greek citizens. The number of victims is estimated at around 5,000.
A Sophisticated Fraud Scheme
The gang’s modus operandi involved the installation of malicious software on the victims’ computers. This malware granted the criminals unrestricted access to the victims’ bank accounts and personal information. The fraudsters then proceeded to transfer amounts ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 euros from each account. These transactions were carefully routed through anonymous accounts using virtual intermediaries, ensuring the criminals’ identities remained concealed.
Cryptocurrency Fraud
In addition to the bank fraud, the gang lured unsuspecting victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. The victims were enticed to invest in bogus cryptocurrency ventures, further increasing the criminals’ illicit earnings. The use of cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, added an extra layer of anonymity to their operations, making it difficult for authorities to track down the perpetrators.
Successful Raid and Arrests
The criminal operation came to an abrupt end when Albanian police raided their base in Kortsa. During the raid, authorities seized 23 computers, numerous high-tech devices, lists containing names and phone numbers of Greek victims, fake bank transfer receipts, and evidence of cryptocurrency transactions. The authorities also arrested seven experts, believed to be part of the gang’s technical team, further crippling the gang’s operation. The success of this raid underscores the importance of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
This operation sends a clear message to cybercriminals worldwide: no matter how sophisticated the scheme, the long arm of the law will eventually catch up.
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