We are nearing the end of November, the fraud awareness month, and I hope you have managed to dodge the fraud bullets and continue to stay safe when we soon head into the holiday season, which also is favoured by fraudsters. It has been a busy week, as usual, and here are some highlights that have crossed our desks.
This just in, Europol has been involved in, as they state, " an unprecedented international operation ". This led to the arrest of 44 individuals in a Europe-wide crackdown against a high-risk criminal network.
Europol- 44 arrested in Europe - wide crackdown against high-risk criminal network
Also, from Europol. In a coordinated action led by the United Kingdom and supported by Europol and Eurojust, 142 suspects have been arrested, connected to a criminal website that offered 'spoofing' services to fraudsters.
The Guardian has written a lengthier article on the operation above.
The Guardian-100 people arrested in UK's biggest fraud investigation
An INTERPOL police operation (HAECHI III) has, during five months, targeted online fraud and seen almost 1000 suspects arrested and the seizure of USD 129,975,440 worth of virtual assets.
From Canada. A professional money laundering organization, working in support of some of Canada's largest crime groups, has been dismantled following an unprecedented investigation by ALERT and the RCMP.
ALERT- Project collector halts cross-Canada money laundering
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)has conducted several searches in the Netherlands in an ongoing investigation into a suspected criminal organization that sells perfumes and electronics online, with the intention of not paying VAT on these sales.
And finally, the European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism. The parliament calls on the European Union to further isolate Russia internationally, including when it comes to Russia's membership of international organizations and bodies such as the United Nations Security Council.
European Parliament- European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism
That's all for this week, until next time, have a fantastic weekend.
