Brooklyn Prosecutors Seize Transnational Cryptocurrency Scam Network
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AI-assisted source synthesis · not an independent investigation.
On October 15, 2026, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a crackdown on a transnational cryptocurrency investment scam targeting the Russian-speaking community in the United States. Victims encountered fake investment advisers through Russian-language Facebook advertisements and were lured into transferring cryptocurrency assets to wallets on fraudulent platforms; when they attempted to withdraw funds, their accounts might be locked or they might be required to pay fake taxes and other fees. Some victims were subsequently subjected to secondary scams claiming to recover their losses. Earlier reports stated that law enforcement had seized 241 scam website domains and 112 servers, that the case was estimated to have caused tens of millions of dollars in losses, that approximately $300,000 had been recovered, and that no one had been arrested. Subsequent reports stated that 241 websites had been seized or disrupted and that 112 related servers had been dealt with.
AI-written from reports · updated 5 days ago
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- CoinDeskBrooklyn prosecutors and the FBI seize or disrupt 241 crypto scam websites
Brooklyn prosecutors and the FBI seized or disrupted 241 crypto investment scam websites targeting Russian speakers in the United States, and handled 112 related servers. The scam groups lured victims into purchasing cryptocurrency through Russian-language Facebook ads and fake advisors. When victims tried to withdraw their funds, they were then required to pay bogus taxes, followed by so-called recovery scams.
- CryptopolitanBrooklyn prosecutors and the FBI seize crypto investment scam network, recover approximately $300,000
Brooklyn prosecutors and the FBI shut down a transnational crypto investment scam network targeting Russian-speaking Americans, seizing 241 scam websites and 112 servers and recovering approximately $300,000; no one has been arrested so far. Victims were first lured into transferring crypto assets to wallet addresses on fake platforms, then subjected to a second scam under the pretext of recovering their losses. The case is estimated to have caused tens of millions of dollars in losses.
- PYMNTSBrooklyn District Attorney’s Office seizes 241 domains and 112 servers linked to crypto scam network
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the FBI investigated and disrupted a transnational cryptocurrency scam targeting Russian-speaking communities in the United States, seizing 241 website domains and 112 servers. Victims encountered fake investment advisers through Russian-language Facebook ads, then had their accounts locked or were asked to pay additional taxes and fees when attempting to withdraw funds. Prosecutors estimate the scheme stole tens of millions of dollars; approximately $300,000 has been recovered so far.
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