FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Police have dismantled a large call center network that is suspected of defrauding thousands of citizens in several European countries, as well as in Canada and the United States of America, with losses reaching millions of euros and potentially reaching up to 50 million euros.
Investigations into this scheme began two years ago, following a request for information from Austrian judicial authorities. This led to an in-depth investigation, which uncovered an organized cyber fraud network based in Tirana.
Albania has become an important point of operation for international fraud schemes through call centers, which use sophisticated manipulation methods to financially benefit from foreign victims, writes Bulgarian media Bgnes News Agency.
During the searches conducted on April 13 and 14 at three call centers, police searched 12 locations, including three call centers and nine apartments. A total of 10 people were arrested, while arrest warrants were issued for four others. One other person is still wanted.
Security measures have been imposed on some of the suspects, including a travel ban and reporting requirements. Among those detained are five people suspected of playing leading roles in the network's structure.
As part of the operation, 443 computers, 6 laptops, 238 mobile phones, hard drives and other electronic devices, as well as over 891 thousand euros in cash, were seized.
Meanwhile, two young men, Mateo Hoxha, 24, and Tedi Agastra, 23, are thought to have benefited from $8 million in cryptocurrency from European citizens defrauded by a network of call centers in Tirana.
In the file released to the media, the pair are the ultimate beneficiaries of the cryptocurrencies. The younger, Agastra, had benefited from $4.8 million, while Hoxha, $3.2 million. Considerable amounts, benefited in just 1 year, during 2024.
In total, thousands of European citizens, mainly Austrians, have lost over 50 million euros in fraudulent call centers in the Albanian capital over at least 3 years.
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