International Investigation of Alleged Internet Fraud in Romania Deepens - Three Accused Individuals Arrested, Extradited to Germany for Prosecution
International Fraud Group Arrested in Romania: Over €100 Million in Losses
In a significant development, a joint investigation team (JIT) established via Eurojust has made arrests in Romania as part of an ongoing investigation into an international fraud group. The operation, which started in August 2023, is focused on a group suspected of internet fraud on a commercial and organized scale.
The fraud began with phishing emails, allowing the perpetrators to gain access to data and control over merchant accounts of a large online retailer. Over 400 online merchant accounts have been taken over, with orders totaling over 100 million euros placed.
Three men, aged 44, 32, and 27, were arrested during the operation. The perpetrators offered goods, such as televisions or gaming consoles, at heavily discounted prices on these accounts. Some retailers have even had to cease their economic activities as a result of the fraud.
Despite many buyers noticing the fraud before transferring the purchase price, hundreds of victims have transferred around 300,000 euros to the fraudsters. The online retailers whose accounts were taken over have suffered significant financial losses due to blocked merchant accounts and negative reviews from fake customers.
The Nuremberg Criminal Police and the Bavarian Cybercrime Center have identified more possible masterminds in the ongoing investigation. The General Prosecutor's Office Bamberg is the originator of the information, transmitted via news aktuell.
A multitude of electronic devices were seized during the searches, which took place on 24.06.2025 in Sibiu, Ramnicu Valcea, and Dragasani, Romania. The detainees were subsequently extradited to Germany and appeared before a judge on 31.07.2025.
The investigations in this complex, cross-border case continue. The investigators believe that many cases are still unknown, suggesting the actual financial loss could be much higher. Senior Public Prosecutor Goger can be contacted for inquiries at 0951 / 833-1451, 09621/96241-0844, or [email protected].
The JIT, which was set up under the direction of North Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul, focusing on challenges like internet fraud and related attacks using deepfakes, continues its efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
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