Binance assisted the Dutch authorities in an investigation that led to the seizure of millions of euros worth of assets and the arrest of a 26-year-old man in suspected online fraud, the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) reported.
Luxury Cars and Cryptocurrency Seized
Dutch authorities, alongside the tax investigation service FIOD, seized assets totaling 11.4 million euros, including a luxury car and cryptocurrency holdings, in connection with the investigation. The saga involves a multi-million euro scam through an online platform, ZKasino.
Binance mentioned on X: "Binance is proud to have supported Dutch authorities in the investigation of a gambling exit scam. Our Investigations team helped lead the recovery of millions of euros."
The culprit is suspected of being involved in the online platform soliciting monetary deposits. FIOD mentioned that ZKasino promised investors lucrative returns within 30 days. The scale of the alleged fraud is massive, with over $30 million reported to have been channeled to ZKasino globally.
The investigation, triggered by information sourced from various channels, including Binance, commenced following concerns raised about ZKasino's operations. Collaboration between the FIOD and a division of Binance proved useful in securing millions of euros in crypto assets. However, the possibility of recovering all funds remains uncertain.
Seeking Recourse for Victims
While the FIOD hopes for restitution, it emphasized the need for cooperation from those involved in the scam and urged victims seeking to reclaim lost investments to engage with authorities.
Last year, Binance assisted Thai law enforcement agencies in tackling significant cryptocurrency scams plaguing the region. Working closely with the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police, Binance's Investigations team helped dismantle criminal networks such as the notorious "pig butchering" scheme that affected thousands of victims in Thailand.
As a result of this collaboration, five key members of a criminal group were arrested, and assets totaling around Thai baht (THB) 10 billion (approximately $277 million) were seized. These assets include luxury cars, houses, and land. Moreover, more than 3,200 victims have come forward seeking compensation for their losses.
In addition to the successful crackdown on the "pig butchering" scam, Binance played a crucial role in disrupting another large-scale crypto scam involving a vast network of transnational criminal entities. This operation led to arrests across 30 locations and the seizure of illicit assets, including luxury residences, vehicles, and cash.
