Security News > 2021 > September > Europol links Italian Mafia to million-dollar phishing scheme
In collaboration with Europol and Eurojust, European law enforcement dismantled an extensive network of cybercriminals linked to the Italian Mafia that was able to defraud their victims of roughly €10 million last year alone.
"The Spanish National Police, supported by the Italian National Police, Europol and Eurojust, dismantled an organised crime group linked to the Italian Mafia involved in online fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking and property crime," the Europol said today.
"The suspects defrauded hundreds of victims through phishing attacks and other types of online fraud such as SIM swapping and business email compromise before laundering the money through a wide network of money mules and shell companies."
"Most of the suspected members are Italian nationals, some of whom have links to mafia organization," the Europol also revealed.
"Located in Tenerife, the suspects tricked their victims, mainly Italian nationals, into sending large sums to bank accounts controlled by the criminal network."
"The Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce at Europol supported the operation," the Europol added.