Perpetrators often operate from Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe – cross-border crypto-forensics and international cooperation between authorities are key to tracing them.
Crypto fraud knows no borders. Perpetrators are located in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, or the Middle East and defraud victims in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria. This international nature makes prosecution more difficult—but not impossible. This article explains how international investigations into crypto fraud work, which authorities are responsible, and what role forensic reports play.
Why crypto fraud is so common internationally
Cryptocurrencies are global and borderless. Scammers can operate from any country in the world, hosting fake platforms in one country and transferring money to another. In many cases, organized networks are used that divide various tasks—victim recruitment, platform operation, money laundering—across different countries.
Popular starting points for crypto fraud are countries with lower law enforcement capacity or weak cooperation with Western authorities. This makes identifying and apprehending perpetrators more difficult, but does not make it impossible. Blockchain technology This works for the victims: transaction traces exist regardless of the perpetrators' location.
For victims, internationality means one thing above all: The Criminal charges In Germany, this is necessary, but often insufficient. Additional measures – international freeze requests, requests for legal assistance, and forensic assessments according to international standards – are crucial.
Which authorities are responsible in cases of international crypto fraud?
In Germany, the local police or public prosecutor's office is the first point of contact. For larger international cases, specialized agencies become involved: The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) coordinates international cooperation and collaborates with Europol, Interpol, and foreign investigative authorities.
In recent years, Europol has established specialized units for crypto-crime and coordinates cross-border investigations within the EU. For cases outside the EU, formal requests for legal assistance via the Federal Ministry of Justice are necessary.
Forensic reports, prepared according to international standards and containing all relevant transaction data, are a crucial basis for requests for legal assistance. Crypto Investigation prepares reports that meet the requirements of international legal assistance procedures.
International freeze requests: Freezing cryptocurrencies worldwide
If identified perpetrator wallets contain coins held on a cryptocurrency exchange abroad, Freeze requests Requests can be made directly to these platforms. Many globally operating cryptocurrency exchanges have specialized law enforcement teams that respond to requests from authorities or certified forensic service providers.
Large platforms like Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and OKX regularly cooperate with international law enforcement agencies. Stablecoin issuers such as Tether and Circle also have global compliance departments that handle freeze requests from various countries.
Crypto Investigation has direct contacts with international compliance departments and can submit freeze requests in the required form and language. These international contacts are a crucial advantage over purely national approaches.
Pig Butchering and International Networks: The Southeast Asian Context
A large proportion of organized crypto fraud networks – especially Pig Butchering Scams – operates from Southeast Asia, primarily from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines. These networks are often linked to human trafficking: fraudsters force victims, lured abroad under false pretenses, to carry out their scams.
Prosecuting these networks is complex: it requires international cooperation between several countries, political will at the governmental level, and specialized forensic support. Nevertheless, there have been significant breakthroughs in recent years: authorities in Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries, working with international partners, have dismantled fraud centers and arrested perpetrators.
Forensic reports that comprehensively document transaction chains and reveal connections to known fraud networks can provide crucial clues for such operations. Crypto Investigation collaborates with specialized partners in complex international cases.
Legal assistance requests: How Germany cooperates with foreign authorities
When German investigative authorities require information or actions from foreign authorities – such as the seizure of a server or the release of user data from a foreign cryptocurrency exchange – they submit a formal request for legal assistance. This request is forwarded via the Federal Ministry of Justice to the competent authority in the receiving country.
The quality and completeness of the forensic report are crucial for the success of a request for legal assistance. An incomplete or imprecise report can lead to rejections or lengthy delays. Krypto Investigation prepares reports specifically tailored to the requirements of international legal assistance procedures.
Within the EU, the European Investigation Order (EIO) is also available, enabling faster cooperation between EU member states. For cases outside the EU, bilateral agreements or multilateral conventions apply.
When is forensic support worthwhile in cases of international crypto fraud?
In any case with an international dimension, professional forensic support is crucial. Crypto Investigation has experience in international cases and direct contacts with the compliance departments of global crypto platforms, as well as with specialized forensic partners in various countries. Contact the team for an initial free assessment.
Conclusion: Crypto fraud from abroad – international forensics makes the difference
The international nature of crypto fraud is a challenge – but not an insurmountable obstacle. Blockchain transactions know no borders, and forensic analysis can be used globally. Working with a specialized partner who brings international experience and direct contacts offers realistic chances of success, even in cross-border cases.
Krypto Investigation accompanies victims through international investigations – from initial forensic analysis to support with requests for legal assistance and international freeze requests.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about International Crypto Fraud
Can I report a fraudster from abroad in Germany?
Yes. One Criminal charges In Germany, this is possible even if the perpetrator is located abroad. German authorities can then submit requests for legal assistance to the relevant foreign authorities.
Which countries cooperate well with German authorities in cases of crypto fraud?
EU member states cooperate relatively well under the European Investigation Order. Outside the EU, the willingness to cooperate varies considerably. The USA, the UK, and many Western countries generally cooperate well, while some other countries are more difficult to reach.
What is the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and what role does it play?
The BKA is Germany's central police authority for serious and organized crime. It coordinates international investigative cooperation and works directly with Europol and Interpol. The BKA is often involved in major cryptocurrency fraud cases.
What is a request for legal assistance?
A request for legal assistance is a formal application from a German authority to a foreign authority to take specific measures or provide information. It is forwarded via the Federal Ministry of Justice and must meet certain formal requirements.
How long do international investigations take?
International investigations are complex and can take significantly longer than national cases – often several months to several years. However, blockchain traces remain permanent, so later investigations can still be successful.
Can Crypto Investigation communicate internationally on my behalf?
Yes. As part of its mandate, Crypto Investigation can submit freeze requests to international crypto platforms and supports authorities in international investigations through forensic documentation. Legal representation can be arranged.
Does Europol also help with smaller fraud cases?
Europol focuses on organized and cross-border crime. Smaller, individual cases are usually handled by national authorities. In cases of serial fraud affecting many victims in several EU countries, Europol can become involved.
What is the European Investigation Order (EIO)?
The EEA is an instrument for criminal law cooperation within the EU. It allows investigative authorities of one EU member state to directly request specific measures from authorities of other EU member states – faster than traditional mutual legal assistance requests.
Can I claim damages in cases of international fraud?
Generally, yes – if the perpetrators are identified and have sufficient assets. Civil claims can be pursued in Germany or in the perpetrator's country. This requires the perpetrator's identification and proven claims.
When should I seek professional help in cases of international crypto fraud?
Immediately. Crypto Investigation has experience in international cases, direct contacts with global platforms, and the ability to produce reports according to international standards. Contact the team for an initial free assessment.
