Bitrabo Editorial
A group of Austrian fraud criminals funded their extravagant lifestyle through proceeds from a massive cryptocurrency scam. Their lavish purchases included items like a shark tank, upscale villa, luxury cars, private jet trips, and parties at exclusive clubs, according to a report by Heute, an Austrian news source, on October 23. Approximately 40,000 individuals fell victim to this fraudulent scheme, resulting in a total of around $21.6 million (20 million euros) being stolen.
Uncovering the Crypto Fraudsters
The fraudulent activity revolved around investments in EXW Wallet and EXW crypto tokens, along with related real estate ventures. The EXW scheme promised enticing daily returns ranging from 0.1% to 0.32%, which appealed to many investors.
Launched in 2019, the EXW Wallet began to encounter issues in 2020. By September 2023, authorities had identified and charged eight individuals with money laundering, operating a pyramid scheme, and engaging in commercial fraud.
On October 23, the Klagenfurt Regional Court issued convictions for five of the accused. Two received five-year prison sentences without the possibility of parole, while two others were sentenced to 30 months in prison. Another defendant received an 18-month sentence, and five were found not guilty. Notably, three previous convictions for some defendants were included in their sentencing, and some convicted individuals are reportedly considering appeals.
Complex Investigations and Additional Claims
Described by Heute as “Austria’s largest fraud trial,” the proceedings lasted over a year, featuring 60 court days, 300 hours of discussions, and 3,000 collected case files. Prosecutor Caroline Czedik-Eysenberg noted that the scheme was complex, involving operations across multiple countries that lack extradition treaties, including the UAE.
To complicate tracking their finances, the scammers utilized encrypted messages via Telegram and sought help from specialist firms. Some funds were reportedly smuggled in plastic bags into Austria, as revealed by reports.
According to Czedik-Eysenberg, the criminals never had any legitimate projects in mind, with initial claims merely designed to lure victims. Defense lawyers argue that certain defendants were overwhelmed as the scheme spiraled out of control.
Additively, separate allegations relate to a cannabis-linked fraud operation, where it is estimated that around $17.2 million (16 million euros) was stolen from more than 17,000 people.
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