European law enforcement agencies have dismantled a criminal network accused of running a large-scale investment fraud through call centres in Albania, according to Europol. The joint operation, involving Albanian and Austrian authorities, led to the arrest of 10 suspects and the seizure of nearly 900,000 euros in cash. Many of the victims were based in Vienna, highlighting the cross-border nature of the scheme.

Investigators revealed that victims were initially attracted through online investment advertisements on social media and other internet platforms. Once engaged, they were contacted by call centre operators in Tirana posing as legitimate financial brokers. These individuals offered convincing but fraudulent investment advice, persuading victims to transfer substantial sums of money.

The scam was highly organised, with operators working in teams of six to eight people and specialising in different languages, including German, English, Italian, Greek, and Spanish. Europol noted that the use of native languages helped build trust and credibility, making it easier for the suspects to deceive victims with fake investment opportunities.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright