European law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with Europol and Eurojust, have dismantled a major international criminal network operating clandestine banking and money laundering services, including a so-called 'mafia crypto bank.' The network, composed mainly of Chinese and Syrian nationals, facilitated money laundering for human trafficking and drug trafficking organizations, using the traditional hawala system and cryptocurrencies. Authorities estimate the network laundered over €21 million, with assets including €2.5 million in real estate, 18 vehicles, €183,000 in cryptocurrencies, 10 properties, €230,000 in luxury handbags, and €622,000 in cigars seized during raids in January 2025 across Spain, Austria, Belgium, and other countries. Seventeen individuals were arrested, including a Syrian national in Austria, with 15 placed in custody. The operation involved more than 250 police officers. Separately, Europol supported an international operation that dismantled an online investment fraud network responsible for stealing over €3 million from more than 100 victims through a fake trading platform. The operation, led by German investigators, resulted in arrests in Cyprus, Israel, and Albania, and the seizure of electronic devices, documents, and cash. The criminal group used call centers to manipulate victims, who were lured by promises of high returns and pressured by agents posing as brokers. Meanwhile, a series of high-profile romance fraud cases have emerged globally, often involving scammers using artificial intelligence to impersonate celebrities. Notable incidents include a French woman losing nearly €830,000 to a scammer posing as Brad Pitt, an Argentinian woman defrauded of £10,000 by an AI-generated George Clooney, and a Dutch woman deceived out of €5,000 by a fake Leonardo DiCaprio. These scams typically involve building emotional relationships online, followed by requests for money under various pretexts. In 2023, an estimated $1 trillion was lost to fraud worldwide, with much of the activity attributed to organized crime groups and foreign state actors. Authorities urge vigilance, especially regarding unsolicited online relationships and investment opportunities.