Source: Eurojust
The criminals used phishing techniques to obtain login credentials from legitimate sellers on a well-known online commerce platform. After gaining access to the account, they changed the login details, locking the rightful users out of their accounts. The criminals then continued to post advertisements of fake goods on the seller account. Because customers trusted the seller accounts, they initially put orders in for over EUR 106 million. In the end, 556 customers completed their order and purchased goods that would never arrive, causing damages of over EUR 400 000.
When investigators identified the locations of the criminal group, Romanian and German authorities quickly began working together through a joint investigation team established by Eurojust. The cooperation led to a series of actions in December 2024, during which evidence was collected through house searches in Germany, Romania and Austria. Based on the evidence obtained, the authorities arrested four suspects in Romania and three in Germany. Preventative measures are in place for the four suspects in Romania, and two suspects in Germany remain in custody.
Following the actions in December, investigations into the group continued. Authorities discovered that three members of the criminal group had continued their criminal activities. The Romanian and German investigators quickly identified the individuals and prepared further action.
During an action day on 24 June, the three members were detained in Romania following a European Arrest Warrant issued by the German authorities. Eight house searches were also conducted where IT systems were seized containing more evidence. Investigations into the criminal group are ongoing.
The following authorities carried out the operation:
- Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice –Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism –Vâlcea Territorial Office; Service for Combating Organised Crime Vâlcea; Service for Combating Organised Crime Sibiu; Service for Special Actions Vâlcea; Service for Special Actions Sibiu
- Germany: Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime; Criminal Police Department Nuremberg – K 52