Major Offensive Against African Black Axe Criminal Cartel By Irish Garda Police

By SCARS Editorial Team, portions by: Garda, Irish Times

Taking On The African/Nigerian Black Axe Gang!

Irish Garda Plays A Key Role In Taking Them On

A major Garda Síochána enforcement action was conducted in conjunction with INTERPOL and Law Enforcement Agencies across 21 countries around the world under Operation JACKAL. Closing ranks on West African organized crime: more than EUR 2 million seized in Operation Jackal

In the most recent series of actions Gardaí identify almost 1,000 people with Irish addresses linked to the sinister operation which also funds terror

Previous 2023 Garda Actions Against Black Axe:

• 3 premises were searched in Dublin, Wicklow, and Longford
• 9 persons were arrested and detained under Organised Crime legislation
• 4 Persons were arrested and detained for money laundering offenses
• 33 persons were arrested and charged with money laundering
• 1 person was arrested and charged with gangland offenses and money laundering
• 9 incidents of stolen money recovered from foreign bank accounts
• Over €400,000 of stolen monies was recovered from Irish companies.

Read More …

Scam Victim Suicides Are Up – New Data Hints

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Risk of Suicides in Scam and Financial Fraud Victims Is Sharply On The Rise

Scams and financial fraud can have a devastating impact on victims, both financially and emotionally. In some cases, the emotional toll can be so great that victims may feel like they have no other way out but to commit suicide and take their own life.

Suicides Risk

The risk of suicide is especially high among elderly victims. A study by the National Center for Victims of Crime found that the rate of suicides among elderly scam victims is twice as high as the national average. Add on the loss of their life savings and the impact is obvious!

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16shop Phishing-As-A-Service Platform Taken Down

By Interpol & SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizems Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Interpol Coordinated Takes Down 16shop Phishing-As-A-Service Platform Used By 70,000 People

16shop Notorious phishing platform shut down, arrests in international police operation

In a remarkable triumph over cybercriminal activity, the curtains have fallen on the nefarious phishing-as-a-service platform known as 16shop. This decisive outcome emerged from a comprehensive international effort led by Interpol.

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Cryptocurrency Recovery Alert from the FBI

By U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Increase in Companies Falsely Claiming an Ability to Recover Funds Lost in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams

The FBI warns of an increase in cryptocurrency recovery schemes, which exploit victims who lost cryptocurrency to fraud, scams, and theft

Never hire or pay a private/for-profit company to trace and recover your cryptocurrency. Only law enforcement can effectively do it and they do it for free!

Read More …

Cybercriminals Operating Major Ransomware Hosting Service Arrested In Poland

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions Department of Justice and Europol

Cybercriminals Running ‘Bulletproof’ Webhosting Domain Charged in Connection with Facilitation of ‘NetWalker’ Ransomware

U.S. Authorities, along with Europol Announce Court-Authorized Seizure of LolekHosted.net

5 European cybercriminals were also arrested!

An indictment was unsealed yesterday in Tampa, Florida, USA charging a Polish national with computer fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and international money laundering in connection with the provision of “bulletproof” web hosting services that facilitated the operation of ransomware attacks and the subsequent laundering of the illicit proceeds.

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Talking To Kids/Youth About Online Risk [VIDEO]

By National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (U.S. Government) and SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

How can parents encourage their children/youth to use online technology safely and privately – a NIST Video – used with permission

NIST Researchers Explore Best Practices for Talking to Kids About Online Privacy

Today’s youth are digital natives. They’ve never known a world without the internet or online technology. It is crucial they develop the skills and resilience to safely navigate these digital environments from an early age. At NIST, scientists conducted a study to find out how much these digital natives and their parents know about online security and privacy.

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The Knoble Report On Human Scam Trafficking

By The Knoble & SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

From Fake Job Ads to Human Trafficking: The Horrifying Reality of the Human Trafficking Scam Trade

Human Trafficking Scam Trade preys on vulnerable individuals trapping victims in a web of human trafficking, coercion, fraud, and cryptocurrencies. Our new publication, in collaboration with The Mekong Club, Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative, and Humanity Research Consultancy, sheds light on the shocking tactics used by criminal networks and highlights the complexities surrounding detection and prevention. Discover the hidden tactics involving fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and cryptocurrencies, and learn how you can prevent this critical issue.

SCARS is a proud member of the Knoble.

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Interpol Operation Jackal – Arrested Over 100

By Interpol & SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Interpol & Partners Target West African Cybercriminals In Major Raid Seizing Million Of Euros!

Interpol closing ranks on West African organized crime: more than EUR 2 million seized in Operation Jackal – tackling the global footprint of Black Axe and similar West Africa-based organized crime groups

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Cryptocurrency Home Invasion Armed Robbery

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., and third-party sources

A Significant New Escalation In The Theft Of Cryptocurrency – Violent Home Invasions

Durham, North Carolina Police & The FBI Are Investigating A Terrifying Home Invasion Involving Cryptocurrency Theft

A Durham, North Carolina couple endured a harrowing ordeal during a recent home invasion, where they were targeted for their cryptocurrency holdings. According to authorities, two armed men, disguised as construction workers, approached the couple’s Wells Street residence.

Once inside, the assailants, identified as Remy Ra St. Felix and Elmer Castro, brandished handguns and restrained the elderly couple using zip ties. The terrified victims, both 76 years old, were then coerced into transferring a significant amount of cryptocurrency, totaling $250,000, to an undisclosed account.

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FCC Issues Historic $300 Million Fine Against The Largest Robocalling Scam It Has Ever Investigated

By Federal Communications Commission & SCARS Editorial Team

U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Imposes Record Penalty Against Transnational Illegal Robocalling Operation

Robocalling Scammers Who Placed Five Billion Auto Warranty Robocalls Fined Nearly $300 Million for Robocall and Spoofing Violations

The Federal Communications Commission today issued a record-breaking $299,997,000 fine for auto warranty scam robocalling made by the largest illegal robocall operation the agency has ever investigated. An international network of companies violated federal statutes and the Commission’s regulations when they executed a scheme to make more than five billion robocalls to more than 500 million phone numbers during a three-month span in 2021, including violating federal spoofing laws by using more than one million different caller ID numbers in an attempt to disguise the true origin of the robocalls and trick victims into answering the phone.

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U.S. Cyber Force Moves Forward

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions The Record

U.S. Senate Opens Path For A Cyber-Focused Military Branch

The possibility of a U.S. Cyber Force moved one step closer to reality this last week after the Senate approved its version of a massive defense policy bill.

The $886 billion National Defense Authorization Act passed in an 86-11 vote. The Republican-led House narrowly passed its version of the legislation earlier this month, mostly along party lines. The two chambers will now go to conference to write a final compromise measure.

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67 Year Old Money Mule Convicted

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

67 Year Old Money Mule Faces 20 Years In Prison

Clay County, Florida Woman – Money Mule – Pleads Guilty To Fraud Charge In Online Romance Scheme

THIS COULD BE A LIFE SENTENCE FOR HER!

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U.S. FedNOW Is Launched

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

U.S. Federal Reserve Launches Long-Awaited FedNOW Instant Payments Service, Modernizing System

The United States Federal Reserve announces that its new system for instant payments, the FedNow® Service, is now live

The Federal Reserve on Thursday announced that its new system for instant payments, the FedNow® Service, is now live. Banks and credit unions of all sizes can sign up and use this tool to instantly transfer money for their customers, any time of the day, on any day of the year.

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APP Scam/Fraud Repayment In The UK Moves A Step Further

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions PSR

UK’s PSR Takes First Step In Implementing New APP Scam Refund/Reimbursement Requirements

Today, the United Kingdom’s Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published its consultation on two of its draft directions which are the legal means to put its new Authorized Push Payments APP scam reimbursement requirements in place. This marks the start of the regulator’s plans to implement new requirements that will see mandatory reimbursement for victims of APP scams.

In June, the regulator set out its requirements for tackling APP scams and improving protections for victims of these frauds. These include:

• New rules in Faster Payments – the payment system across which the vast majority of APP fraud currently takes place – strengthening Pay.UK’s ability to tackle fraud.
• All payment firms will be incentivised to take action, with sending and receiving firms splitting the costs of reimbursement 50:50.
• Customers will be more protected under consistent minimum standards, with most APP fraud victims being reimbursed within five business days and additional protections offered for vulnerable customers.
• Industry will have clearer guidance to follow, including around the ability to apply a claim excess and maximum level of reimbursement, which the PSR will consult on later this year.

The PSR said it would seek views on the legal means by which the new changes will be enforced and focuses on the detail of two of the three legal instruments.

The Read More …

Robocall Refunds From The FTC & State Of Florida $540,000

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions FTC

FTC and State of Florida Send More Than $540,000 to Consumers Who Lost Money to Robocall Scammers Selling Bogus Interest Rate Reduction Services

The Federal Trade Commission and the Florida Attorney General are sending refunds totaling more than $540,000 to consumers nationwide who were defrauded by Life Management Services of Orange County, LLC, and related companies who tricked them into paying for worthless credit card interest rate reduction and debt elimination programs. The average check amount is $117.

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Scam Victim Commits Crimes For Their Scammers

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

A Japanese Scam Victim Embezzled Millions From Her Employer!

Why did this romance scam victim embezzle?! Simply, she was under the control of criminals; it’s nothing more complicated than that!

Nisshin’s a 66-year-old woman and scam victim was suspected of embezzling 10 million yen (USD$71,613 dollars) from her employer!

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55 Scammers Arrested – Nigerians Execute A Major Raid

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions EFCC

55 Scammers Arrested In Massive Raids In Nigeria

The Scammers Arrested Include Ex-Convict Scammers Returning To Crime

According to the EFCC, they executed a major raid with 55 scammers arrested, Seized 7 Cars, 79 Phones:

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27 Food Fraudsters Arrested In Lithuania And Italy

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions EUROPOL

Fraudsters Relabelled Millions Of Expired Food Products And Reintroduced Them To The Supply Chain, Risking Health And Safety Of European Consumers

A two-part investigation across several EU Member States has unveiled a criminal/fraudster network that operates by reintroducing expired food into the supply chain.

In total, law enforcement officials have arrested 27 fraudsters/criminals responsible for this relatively new criminal practice that jeopardizes the health and safety of European consumers.

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Is The Nigerian EFCC Serious Again?

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions EFCC

After Nearly A 3 Week Hiatus, The Nigerian EFCC Is Back Arresting Scammers!

After the abrupt removal of the Nigerian EFCC Chairman and the appointment of his replacement, the EFCC’s enforcement took a nose dive!

Many are questioning the Nigerian government’s commitment to eradicating online criminals/cybercriminals from Nigeria. And the hiatus of the last 3 weeks is not speaking well of their efforts.

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A Tragic Canadian Romance Scam Victim Story

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions CBC by Colleen Underwood (see below for source link)

A Calgary Woman Became A Victim And Was Scammed Out Of Nearly $500K In An Online Dating Scam

Another Victim Study In Victimology:

A Candian fell victim to a very typical romance scam and lost her life savings and money she borrowed.

As is often the case, a scam victim will be left in a devastated state grasping for answers and unless they find a competent professional support organization or counseling, are left on their own to try to understand what happened and to recover.

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UK Identifies Meta As Responsible For 61% Of APP Fraud

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. & portions Financial Times

UK Finance, A Banking & Finance Lobby Group In The UK, Is Raising Concerns About Meta

Meta Is The Company That Owns Social Media Sites Facebook, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, And Whatsapp, Regarding Its Connection To Digital Payment Scams In Britain

According to UK Finance, 61% of reported authorized push payment (money transfer) fraud by volume is linked to Meta’s platforms.

The lobby group has written a letter to the Chancellor, urging the government to hold tech giants (Meta) accountable for the rise in financial crime.

Last year, authorized push payment (money transfers) fraud amounted to £485 million, with scammers employing various tactics, such as impersonating relatives or issuing false fines.

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Family Takes Legal Action Against Banks After Navy Veteran Loses $3.6 Million in Wire Fraud Scheme

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions NBC

Family Files Lawsuit Against Banks After Veteran Loses $3.6 Million in Wire Fraud Scheme The family of a veteran who fell victim to a devastating wire fraud scheme has taken legal action against multiple banks involved.

A Navy veteran’s family is pursuing legal action against banks and credit unions in Virginia, claiming they should have taken stronger measures to prevent the veteran’s substantial losses in an apparent wire fraud scheme. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the late Larry Cook’s estate, accuses Wells Fargo and Navy Federal Credit Union of negligence and other claims. According to court documents, Cook initiated 74 international wire transfers through Navy Federal and one transfer through Wells Fargo. The family suspects Cook was deceived by a phishing scam, resulting in unauthorized transfers. The case raises concerns about financial institutions’ responsibility in protecting customers from fraud and the need for enhanced prevention measures.

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Hong Kong And Mainland Chinese Police In Major Raid

By SCARS Editorial Team Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions SCMP

Hong Kong, Mainland Chinese Police Arrest 17 Suspects In Connection With 149 Online Fraud Cases, Including Writers Of Scripted Scam Dialogue/Scripts

Joint Hong Kong & PRC operation breaks up a major group believed to have carried out online scams, including so-called naked chat blackmail, cheating victims out of HK$68.2 million. Writers of scripted dialogue for scammers among those arrested in Hong Kong

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese police have arrested 17 members of a syndicate suspected to be involved in at least 149 online fraud cases, including writers who provided scripted dialogue for swindlers to trick victims.

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Government Impersonation Scams Are On The Rise!

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Government Impersonation Scams: What You Need to Know

In today’s digital age, scammers have found new avenues to exploit unsuspecting individuals, and one of the most insidious forms of deception is government impersonation scams. These scams involve fraudsters posing as government officials or agencies to manipulate victims into disclosing sensitive information, making fraudulent payments, or engaging in other illegal activities. This article aims to shed light on the dangers of government impersonation scams, the tactics employed by scammers, and ways to protect oneself from falling victim.

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Major Ivory Coast Scammer Kingpin of OPERA1er Group Arrested

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions from Interpol

Ivory Coast’s DITT Arrests A Senior “OPERA1er” Group Kingpin Linked To Cybercrime Around The World

An alleged senior member (kingpin) of the cybercriminal group “OPERA1er” linked to attacks on financial institutions across Africa, Latin America and Asia, has been arrested in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. To achieve this arrest, Côte d’Ivoire’s Directorate of Informatics and Technological Traces (DITT) worked with INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI) Singapore, AFRIPOL, and Group-IB.

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The Mail Is No Longer Safe In The United States

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

The Mail & the Post Office has been a Disaster For Decades

The U.S. Postal Service does a great job with the mail, and has great people doing a hard job! But this appears to be a losing battle!

The simple fact is that the mail does not always go through. If it did then there would be no FedEx, DHS, or UPS. Those companies were the response to a real problem of USPS reliability and performance. After all who pays much higher prices for service if the government service is reliable and safe?

Now we have arrived at a point that is no longer reliable, that the United States Mail is highly vulnerable.

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Google Will Use Everything You Publish To Feed Their Generative AI

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Google’s New Privacy Policy Opens the Door to Web Scraping

Google has updated its privacy policy to allow the company to scrape any publicly available data for use in its artificial intelligence (AI) projects. This means that Google could potentially collect and analyze everything you post online, including your social media posts, blog articles, and even comments on public websites.

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Social Media Prohibition!

US Judge Blocks Biden Officials From Contacting Social Media Sites

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

A Major Blow To The Biden Administration’s Attempts To Control Social Media

The Attorney Generals for Louisiana and Missouri have filed a lawsuit alleging that the federal government is unlawfully censoring conservative viewpoints in violation of the First Amendment.

A federal judge, Terry A. Doughty, has ruled that several Biden administration officials are prohibited from contacting social media companies regarding the moderation of posts protected by the First Amendment.

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Federal Trade Commission Going After Fake Reviews

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Federal Trade Commission Announces Proposed Rule Banning Fake Reviews and Testimonials

The Federal Trade Commission proposed a new rule to stop marketers from using illicit review and endorsement practices such as using fake reviews, suppressing honest negative reviews, and paying for positive reviews, which deceive consumers looking for real feedback on a product or service and undercut honest businesses.

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Bank Account Takeover Fraud Can Happen To You! A Victim’s Story!

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. – Video by CBS

This Chase Bank Account Customer Lost Here Life Savings To Bank Account Takeover Fraud And The Bank Blames Her!

A small business owner lost her life’s savings when scammers pretending to be Chase bank employees defrauded her out of $160,000 by taking over her account.

Chase refused to refund any of her money, saying she did not take appropriate steps to protect her account.

Experts say the bank should adopt stricter security measures to protect customers.

Anna Werner reports in this video!

About Bank Account Takeover Fraud (Scams)

A bank account takeover (BATO) phone scam is a type of fraud in which the scammer calls the victim and pretends to be from their bank. The scammer may say that there is suspicious activity on the victim’s account and that they need to verify the victim’s information in order to protect their account. The scammer will then ask the victim for their personal information, such as their Social Security number, bank account number, and PIN. Once the scammer has this information, they can use it to access the victim’s bank account and steal their money.

BATO phone scams are becoming increasingly common. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 3.3 million reports of fraud involving imposter scams, which include Bank Account Takeover phone scams. These scams cost victims billions of Read More …

Walmart Facilitated Scams According To The FTC

By FTC & SCARS Editorial Team

Walmart: FTC Files Amended Complaint Charging that Walmart Facilitated Scams Through Its Money Transfer Services That Fleeced Customers Out of Hundreds of Millions

The Federal Trade Commission filed an amended complaint against Walmart – bolstering the agency’s case that Walmart allowed its money transfer services to be used by scammers, who fleeced consumers out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

The FTC filed the amended complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Walmart, following the court’s March 27, 2023 ruling on the FTC’s initial complaint. The amended complaint adds further details on Walmart’s alleged violations of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, including the Rule’s ban on the use of cash-to-cash money transfers in any telemarketing transaction.

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Reginald Fowler – Ex-NFL Football Team Own Convicted Of $700 Million Scam

By SCARS Editorial Team –  Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions AP

Reginald Fowler – Ex-Part Owner Of Minnesota Vikings Gets Over Six Years In Cryptocurrency Scam

Scams Come In All Forms! So Do Scammers Such As Reginald Fowler!

Reginald Fowler, a former part-owner of the Minnesota Vikings who defrauded a short-lived professional football league known as the Alliance of American Football in a $700 million cryptocurrency scam was sentenced Monday to over six years in prison.

Reginald Fowler, 64, of Chandler, Arizona, was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to six years and three months in prison and was ordered to forfeit $740 million and pay restitution of $53 million.

The Alliance of American Football met a speedy end in 2019 when it ran out of money that’s to Reginald Fowler.

Prosecutors said Reginald Fowler lied to the league’s executives when he claimed to control bank accounts with tens of millions of dollars from real estate investments and government contracts that he could use to support the league.

In 2005, Reginald Fowler tried to buy the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, becoming a minority owner before his involvement in the team ended in 2014.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement that Reginald Fowler broke the law by processing hundreds of millions of dollars of unregulated transactions on behalf of cryptocurrency exchanges that were used as a shadow bank.

“He did so by lying to legitimate U.S. financial institutions, which exposed the U.S. financial Read More …

Jerry Moran Senate Campaign Scammed Out Of $690,000 In BEC Scam

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., portions AP

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran’s Reelection Campaign Scammed Out Of $690K – A Classic Business Email Compromise Scam

Someone scammed U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran’s reelection campaign out of $690,000 by getting the Kansas Republican’s accounting firm to wire the money to fraudulent bank accounts, Jerry Moran’s office said.

Jerry Moran’s campaign treasurer, Timothy Gottschalk, notified the Federal Election Commission by email on Dec. 8 of “fraudulent activity by a third-party cyber-criminal.” The letter said that after the campaign notified a local sheriff’s office on Nov. 16, eight days after the general election, the case was forwarded to the FBI and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The letter said that Senator Jerry Moran’s campaign received two fraudulent invoices that appeared to be from SRCP Media Inc., a Washington area company hired to handle Moran’s broadcast advertising. The letter said the campaign organization wired $345,000 on Oct. 25 and another $345,000 on Nov. 9.

“As soon as a discrepancy was realized, it was reported to law enforcement,” Jerry Moran spokesman Tom Brandt said in an email Monday. “We are currently pursuing all avenues available to recover the money and there is an ongoing investigation with the FBI.”

The Jerry Moran campaign’s email to the FEC said that as of Dec. 8, the campaign had recovered $168,184.

The FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation into Senator Jerry Read More …

Israel Seized $1.7M in Crypto

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., positions from Reuters and CoinDesk

Israel Seized $1.7M in Crypto From Iranian Military and Hezbollah With Chainalysis’ Aid

The Israeli government seized the crypto wallets after an order from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier this week.

The Israeli government has seized $1.7 million in crypto from wallets linked to the Iranian military and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon with the aide of Chainalysis, according to the Defence Minister announced and the crypto investigations firm.

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Europol Arrests 70 Scammers Plus Kingpin

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Europol & Police Unplug International Phone Scam Network

The Kingpin and over 70 scammer associates were arrested by Europol and police partners; the network used pleas of “fake relatives” to extort victims for over EUR 5 million in damages

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2,700 Scam Slaves Rescued In The Philippines [VIDEO]

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

2,700 People (Scam Slaves) Tricked Into Working For Cybercrime Syndicates Rescued In the Philippines

Philippine police backed by commandos staged a massive raid this week and said they rescued more than 2,700 scam slaves – workers from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and more than a dozen other countries who were allegedly swindled into working for fraudulent online gaming sites and other cybercrime groups.

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EncroChat Dismantling Led To Over 6,500 Arrests

By Europol & SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Dismantling EncroChat Encrypted Criminal Communications Network Leads To Over 6,500 Arrests And Close To Eur 900 Million Seized

European Judiciary and law enforcement present the first overview of the results of EncroChat investigations!

The dismantling of the encrypted communications tool EncroChat, widely used by organized crime groups (OCGs), has so far led to 6 558 arrests worldwide. 197 of those arrested were High-Value Targets. This result is detailed in the first review of EncroChat, which was presented today by the French and Dutch judicial and law enforcement authorities in Lille.

The successful takedown of EncroChat followed the efforts of a joint investigation team (JIT) set up by both countries in 2020, supported by Eurojust and Europol. Since then, close to EUR 900 million in criminal funds have been seized or frozen.

The Dismantling of EncroChat

The dismantling of EncroChat in 2020 sent shockwaves across OCGs in Europe and beyond. It helped to prevent violent attacks, attempted murders, corruption and large-scale drug transports, as well as obtain large-scale information on organized crime.

OCGs worldwide illegally used the encryption tool EncroChat for criminal purposes. Since the dismantling, investigators managed to intercept, share and analyse over 115 million criminal conversations, by an estimated number of over 60 000 users.  User hotspots were prevalent in source and destination countries for the trade in illicit drugs, extortion, and fraud, as well as in Read More …

Stalking Law Gutted By The U.S. Supreme Court

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Stalking Is Free Speech? Supreme Court guts protections for cyberstalking victims!

Critics say the 7-2 decision will protect those stalking who are merely delusional about the consequences of their actions.

Stalking law was gutted by the Supreme Court when it ruled on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023, that in order to find someone guilty of making a “true threat” courts must first determine that the person recklessly disregarded the fact that their words might be perceived as threats.

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Pedophile Extortion Scam By West Africans

By French & Belgium Police, and SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

Extortion Scam: West African Scammers Accuse Men Of Being Sexual Predators – Some Took Their Own Life!

Police in France and Belgium say they have arrested 19 members of gangs involved in this extortion scam who sent people fake court summonses that accused them of viewing images of children being sexually abused.

People who received the extortion messages were threatened with prosecution and tricked into paying thousands of Euros in supposed fines.

Read More …

49 Scammer Nigerian Gang Taken Down

By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

49 Scammers Arrested In Another Major Raid In Nigeria – Another Gang Taken Down

The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Arrests 49 Internet Fraud Suspects in Ekiti, Oyo, Nigeria

In a typical week, the Nigerian EFCC is taking down 2-3 small-medium-sized gangs a week. Unfortunately, almost never large-scale organizations.

Operatives of the Ibadan, Nigeria Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 47 (forty-seven) suspected internet fraudsters, plus 2 others – 49 total

The Nigerian suspects were arrested at Ikere Road and Iworoko areas of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State following intelligence on their alleged cyber fraud activities in the State.

The Nigerian suspects are Adeyemi Joshua Adeniran, Ajaye Redmond Damilare, Nwaji Mathew, Jegede Boluwaji Victor, Oyetunji Sunday Wole, Damilola Awopetu Ayomide, Ajayi Temitope Ayomide, Babajide Adebisi Victor, Balogun Precious Akinwale, Obie Jacob Onatakaroma, Olonitola Olamilekan, Ajewole Ojo Kayode, Aina Toluwani Emmanuel, Adebayo Akinwumi Oluwadamilare, Omowaye Oluwatosin Olamilekan, Oyewale Francis Oyomilekan, Arowolo Ayomide Gift, Shotonwa Babatunde Omotoyosi, Ochochie Silas Ochola, Ojo Seyitan David, Onile Ayodeji Raphael, and Abiodun Oluwatosin Opeyemi.

Others are: Adebayo Gbenga Musbau, Oyebade Ayomide Olamide, Egunjobi Samuel Gbenga, Oladokun Toheeb Adeko Save la, Adesola Benjamin Adebowale, Edamisan Olakunle, Adesola Isaac Babatunde, Oyewole Gideon David, Lawal Tosimile Moses, Adeleke Adekunle Samson, Oladiti Abiodun Akanji, Ajayi Charles Temitayo, Adeyemi Oluwasegun Adeboye, Ernest Solomon Temitope and Atoun Olalekan Timilehin.

The rest are: Olorunyomi Sina Ayo, Babatunde Emmanuel Babalola, Read More …