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Fraud & Deception

Recovering stolen crypto: the final steps

In our previous blogs, we outlined how stolen or fraudulently misappropriated cryptocurrency can be traced using blockchaintracing. We showed how we successfully obtained multiple "freezing orders" from Dutch courts in 2023 and 2024. A high-profile example was the case against Huobi in 2023, in which the court imposed a fine of as much as €2,000,000 to ensure that the account of the fraudulent customer was actually frozen. In summary proceedings, we ask not only for [...]

Cryptoexchange Kraken must make full disclosure about fraud

As a specialized firm in crypto fraud cases, we regularly see how victims struggle to recover their stolen digital assets. Although we have explained in previous blogs how accounts at cryptoexchanges can be frozen via a Dutch court order, even at foreign exchanges, this measure sometimes comes too late. Fraudsters have sometimes been able to clear accounts before any action can be taken. Every case is a race against the clock. An additional problem is [...]

Blockchaintracing has come of age and helps with crypto fraud

Blockchain tracing has become an essential tool in the fight against crypto fraud in the past 2 years, especially when stolen funds are funneled through blockchain networks. The transparency of the blockchain allows experts to track fraudulent transactions, even if they go through multiple addresses or complex routes. This creates legal opportunities to secure the stolen digital assets and crack down on fraudsters. Detection of exchanges and KYC data. Blockchaintracing can link specific blockchain addresses [...]

The money mule: victim or accomplice?

A recent court case has again highlighted the complex role of the so-called "money mule" in fraud cases. Geldezel argued a defense in the proceedings. What is a money mule? A money mule is someone who makes their bank account available to criminals to channel stolen money. This is often done under the guise of a lucrative side income or under pressure from the criminals. The money mule receives money in his account from a [...]

Applicable law in international investment fraud: preferably Dutch

International cases present specific challenges, particularly in the area of applicable law. A recent ruling shows how the legal system deals with these challenges. When victims of investment fraud live abroad, while the recipient of the funds is based in the Netherlands, the question arises as to which law applies. The law of the victim's country of residence (in this case, the United Kingdom) is then the main rule under private international law because the [...]

Information for victims of BUNQ bank fraud

This page is intended as a blog with the latest information for victims of Bunq bank account fraud. The latest news can be found at the top. Watch here the broadcast of Kassa about fraud at Bunq Listen here to the podcast "The robbed customers of Bunq" of NOSJune 14: Bunq's new security measuresMeanwhile, the new package of measures introduced by Bunq to control the frauds is known in more detail. An overview can be [...]

Does a lawsuit against a CFD broker stand a chance of success?

What is the chance of success of a lawsuit against a CFD broker? We are often asked that question! In this article, we clarify what kind of behavior by a CFD broker can be grounds for the court to order the broker to refund the deposit. We also explain the difference between a licensed CFD broker and a boiler room selling CFDs. The three points for a succesfull lawsuit In the following three situations, a [...]

The investment fraudster’s roadmap: 5 tricks a boiler room uses to defraud customers

How do you know if you have fallen into the nets of an investment fraudster, an online scam or an untrustworthy CFD broker? All these scams work according to the same playbook; step by step, the investor, who is actually a prey, is lured into the trap. Phase 1: the positive phase In the first stage, the investment fraudster does not show his true face, but presents himself as friendly and helpful as possible. He [...]

Margin calls and swaps in CFDs (contracts for differences)

Those who start investing through a CFD broker often face "margin calls," or obligations to add money, which increase the risks of this form of investing. Margin calls and swaps (charges over holding positions) can cause these investments to evaporate. What are CFDs? Contracts for Differences are not stocks but derivative, indirect investment products. The investor and the counterparty enter into a temporary contract speculating on a price decline or conversely a price increase in [...]

Fraud and scams with a Dutch bank account, what to do?

International fraud with fake websites, billing fraud, investment fraud and other scams where fraudsters elicit payment on an incorrect bank account number with victims living in other countries is unfortunately common. Our firm has handled dozens of such cases in recent years. In this blog, for victims who do not live in the Netherlands, we describe the options for recovering money if a Dutch bank account number is involved in the fraud. What types of [...]

Increase in fraud via Anydesk and cryptocurrency wallets

Our firm is seeing a sharp increase in fraud using "screen sharing software" from Anydesk, Teamviewer and Screenleap and cryptowallets used to siphon off money. investment fraud This is a new form of investment fraud, which begins with arousing interest in complex investments (Forex, CFDs or cryptocurrencies). The criminal organization uses an investment website where the duped person creates an account. In reality, this is a boiler room; in fact, there are no real investments [...]

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