{"id":3430,"date":"2025-11-05T21:01:28","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T21:01:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ft365.org\/index.php\/2025\/11\/05\/operation-chargeback-uncovers-e300m-fraud-scheme-in-193-countries\/"},"modified":"2025-11-05T21:01:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T21:01:28","slug":"operation-chargeback-uncovers-e300m-fraud-scheme-in-193-countries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ft365.org\/index.php\/2025\/11\/05\/operation-chargeback-uncovers-e300m-fraud-scheme-in-193-countries\/","title":{"rendered":"Operation Chargeback Uncovers \u20ac300m Fraud Scheme in 193 Countries"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Operation \u201cChargeback\u201d\u00a0has 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.<\/p>\n

A sweeping series of raids and arrests unfolded on November 4\u00a02025, after nearly five years of investigation.<\/p>\n

More than 60 searches took place, and 18 arrest warrants were executed. Authorities estimate the scheme caused damage exceeding \u20ac300m, with attempted losses topping \u20ac75m.<\/p>\n

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 \u20ac50 to avoid detection.<\/p>\n

Global Action and Arrests<\/h2>\n

The Cybercrime Department of the General Prosecutor\u2019s Office in Koblenz, along with the German Federal Criminal Police Office, led the operation, supported by Europol and Eurojust.<\/p>\n

Officials targeted 44 suspects across Germany and abroad, including executives at payment service providers and crime-as-a-service intermediaries.<\/p>\n

In Germany, 29 properties were searched\u00a0and five arrests were carried out. More than 250 officers took part, and assets worth over \u20ac35m were secured in Germany and Luxembourg.<\/p>\n

Read more on global cybercrime networks: Researchers Expose Infrastructure Behind Cybercrime Network VexTrio<\/em><\/p>\n

Alleged Payment System Abuse<\/h2>\n

Investigators say four major German payment service providers\u2019\u00a0systems were exploited to process illicit transactions.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Key elements identified by investigators included:<\/p>\n