Online Albanian investment scam ring with Greek victims busted
A large-scale online fraud network operating from call centers in Tirana has been dismantled after a joint investigation by Austrian and Albanian authorities, supported by EU agencies Europol and Eurojust.
Ten suspects were arrested during coordinated raids on April 17, while officers searched three call centers and nine homes, Europol said in a statement. Authorities seized nearly €900,000 in cash, along with hundreds of computers and mobile phones.
Investigators said the criminal network defrauded victims of at least €50 million through fake online investment platforms promoted via social media advertisements and internet searches. Victims were persuaded to transfer money after being contacted by bogus “investment advisers” who used psychological pressure and remote-access software to gain control of devices.
Crucially, officials said victims were spread across Europe and beyond, including Greece, alongside Italy, Germany, Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom. The fraud ring also operated Greek-language teams to target Greek-speaking victims.
The call centers were organised like legitimate companies, employing up to 450 staff across sales, finance, IT and management divisions.
Authorities said some victims were contacted a second time and falsely promised recovery of lost funds through cryptocurrency payments.
Kathimerini
