We are at Scams and Freedom Crossroads – an Editorial – 2024

We are at Scams and Freedom Crossroads

An Editorial About the Freedoms We May be Giving Up to Combat Scams!

Primary Category: Editorial & Commentary

Author:
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The global fight against scams and cybercrime is forcing governments to adopt increased surveillance and real-time monitoring measures that risk infringing on personal freedoms. Countries like the UK, Australia, and the U.S. are moving towards policies that allow governments and financial institutions to monitor financial transactions and personal data to prevent scams.

While these measures can enhance security, they also erode privacy and may lead to overreach. Individuals can protect themselves by advocating for privacy rights, using encrypted services, limiting data sharing, and staying informed about their digital rights. Balancing security and freedom is essential in shaping the future of online safety.

Major European Money Laundering/Money Mule Services Operation Shut Down By Europol – 2024

Major European Money Laundering/Money Mule Services Operation Shut Down By Europol

Primary Category: Criminal Justice

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Europol

About This Article

Europol, alongside Italian and Portuguese authorities, spearheaded a major crackdown on money mule service providers laundering over EUR 10 million for a criminal organization behind cryptocurrency scams.

Supported by law enforcement from Austria, France, Germany, Romania, Spain, and Switzerland, the operation involved raids in France, Italy, and Romania, resulting in 11 detentions, including the scheme’s mastermind, and the seizure of electronic devices, jewelry, and cryptocurrencies.

The scam targeted millionaires through sophisticated rip-deal scams, utilizing cryptocurrencies. Europol and Eurojust provided critical support, facilitating information exchange and forensic assistance, while Europol’s #DontBeaMule campaign aims to prevent money mule activities across the EU.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-06-02T22:07:53-04:00June 2nd, 2024|Categories: • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, • CRIMES & CRIMINALS, 2024, EUROPE, EUROPOL, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|Tags: Cryptomules, EUROPOL, Money Laundering, Money Mule|0 Comments

MasterCard opens European Cyber Resilience Centre in Belgium – 2024

Mastercard opens European Cyber Resilience Centre in Belgium

This new Centre will better prepare Europe to Face the Challenges of Cybercrimes and Cyberwarfare

Primary Category: Cybersecurity

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions by MasterCard

About This Article

Mastercard has opened its European Cyber Resilience Centre (ECRC) at its European Headquarters in Belgium, highlighting its commitment to combating cyber threats and enhancing resilience in the region. The state-of-the-art centre will improve defenses against cyber threats, expedite response times, and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The ECRC brings together partners from across Europe, including national cyber intelligence centres, law enforcement, and industry bodies. The facility features a Fusion Centre and a Digital Forensics Lab, essential for effective incident response. This initiative reinforces Mastercard’s role in securing the digital ecosystem and protecting consumer and business transactions.

SCARS Editorial Team2024-05-31T03:18:18-04:00May 31st, 2024|Categories: • CYBERSECURITY, • CYBERWAR & CYBERWARFARE, 2024, Additional Authors, EUROPE, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|Tags: Cyber Resilience, Cybersecurity, Mastercard|0 Comments

EUROPOL Money Mule Action 2023 – Over 10,000 Identified

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portions EUROPOL

For Money Mules, Their Paper Trail Ends In Jail Time For 1,013 Money Mules As A Result Of The 2023 Europol Actions Against Money Mules

2,822 banks and financial institutions join forces with law enforcement agencies against Money Mules in a global effort against money laundering!

Law enforcement agencies from 26 countries, in collaboration with Europol, Eurojust, INTERPOL, and several private industry partners, have once again joined forces to combat a key facilitator of money laundering: money mules and their recruiters. In June, October, and November 2023, several operational phases identified 10,759 money mules and 474 recruiters, leading to the arrest of 1,013 individuals worldwide.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-09T07:35:37-05:00December 4th, 2023|Categories: • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2023, EUROPE, EUROPOL, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team|Tags: EUROPOL, Money Laundering, Money Mules|0 Comments

Ransomware – Ukraine Gets Serious About Combatting Homegrown Cybercrime 2023

Ukraine Gets Serious About Combatting Homegrown Cybercrime

Authors:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and
• EUROPOL

Dismantlement Of Ransomware Group In Ukraine Amidst Ongoing War – An International Collaboration Success

The Ukraine ransomware gang is behind high-profile attacks that created losses of hundreds of millions of euros

In an unprecedented effort, law enforcement and judicial authorities from seven countries have joined forces with Europol and Eurojust to dismantle and apprehend in Ukraine the key figures behind significant ransomware operations wreaking havoc across the world. The operation comes at a critical time, as the country grapples with the challenges of Russia’s military aggression against its territory.

SCARS Editorial Team2023-12-11T08:03:30-05:00November 28th, 2023|Categories: EUROPOL, • CRIMINAL JUSTICE, 2023, EUROPE, NEWS, SCARS Institute Editorial Team, UKRAINE|Tags: Cybercrime, EUROPOL, Ransomware, Ukraine|0 Comments

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