Operation “Chargeback” has led to coordinated law enforcement action against three alleged international fraud and money laundering networks, which investigators say have misused stolen credit card data from more than 4.3 million cardholders across 193 countries.
A sweeping series of raids and arrests unfolded on November 4 2025, after nearly five years of investigation.
More than 60 searches took place, and 18 arrest warrants were executed. Authorities estimate the scheme caused damage exceeding €300m, with attempted losses topping €75m.
The networks allegedly created around 19 million fake online subscription payments for adult content, dating platforms and streaming services while disguising monthly charges of about €50 to avoid detection.
Global Action and Arrests
The Cybercrime Department of the General Prosecutor’s Office in Koblenz, along with the German Federal Criminal Police Office, led the operation, supported by Europol and Eurojust.
Officials targeted 44 suspects across Germany and abroad, including executives at payment service providers and crime-as-a-service intermediaries.
In Germany, 29 properties were searched and five arrests were carried out. More than 250 officers took part, and assets worth over €35m were secured in Germany and Luxembourg.
Read more on global cybercrime networks: Researchers Expose Infrastructure Behind Cybercrime Network VexTrio
Alleged Payment System Abuse
Investigators say four major German payment service providers’ systems were exploited to process illicit transactions.
Six suspects, including compliance staff, are accused of knowingly enabling network access in exchange for fees. To obscure the money trail, the networks relied on shell companies in the UK and Cyprus, using fake directors and falsified know-your-customer (KYC) documents.
Key elements identified by investigators included:
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Stolen credit card data used for subscription fraud
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Hidden websites accessible only by direct links
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Low-value recurring charges to avoid alerts
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Shell firms to launder proceeds
International Cooperation
The action day spanned the US, Canada, Singapore, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.
More than 90 legal assistance requests were filed with 30 countries. Seized digital evidence is now under review, and the suspects face accusations of organized computer fraud, membership in a criminal group and money laundering.
Europol executive director Catherine De Bolle said the coordinated effort shows the value of working across borders.
“Operation Chargeback is a testament to the power of international cooperation in dismantling complex criminal networks,” she said.
“[It shows] our commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats.”
The operation comes weeks after Eupol called for stronger data laws to combat cybercrime.
Image credit: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock.com
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