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• Nine individuals have been arrested in a significant operation targeting a drug trafficking network
• Authorities have seized €27 million in cryptocurrencies, believed to be linked to the illicit activities
• The operation has dismantled a sophisticated scheme involving the use of cryptocurrencies to launder proceeds from drug sales

In a coordinated effort, law enforcement agencies have apprehended nine members of a drug trafficking organization and confiscated €27 million ($28 million) in cryptocurrencies. The gang is accused of utilizing digital currencies to launder profits from narcotics distribution, employing advanced techniques to conceal their operations. Law enforcement confiscated various other assets in addition to the cryptocurrency, including luxury vehicles and real estate.

International Operation Bags Targets

Europol revealed the cracking of the drug ring in a press release yesterday, stating that the investigation saw the nine suspects employing sophisticated methods to convert drug sales revenue into cryptocurrencies, aiming to obscure the origin of the funds. The criminal network operated across multiple countries, necessitating a collaborative international response. Authorities conducted simultaneous raids, resulting in the apprehension of key figures within the organization. 

A Europol spokesperson praised the raids but warned of the rise in crypto use for criminal acts:

This operation underscores the growing trend of criminals exploiting digital currencies for money laundering purposes. The success of this operation highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating modern criminal enterprises.

In addition to the cryptocurrency seizure, law enforcement confiscated various assets, including luxury vehicles and real estate, believed to have been acquired through illicit gains. The operation serves as a significant blow to the network’s financial infrastructure.

Criminal Gangs Turning Back to Crypto

This case exemplifies the challenges faced by authorities in tracking and intercepting illegal activities facilitated by digital currencies, which appear to be used in an increasing manner to launder illicitly obtained money.

In October, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed that transnational crime syndicates in Southeast Asia have ramped up their use of cryptocurrencies for illicit activities, taking advantage of high-risk virtual asset service providers to launder billions of dollars annually.