Brooklyn Prosecutors and FBI Disrupt Crypto Fraud Network Targeting Russian Speakers

crypto fraud network — U.S. authorities in Brooklyn have seized or disrupted hundreds of websites and servers linked to a cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme that allegedly stole tens of millions of dollars from Russian-speaking victims.

The operation, executed last week by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and the FBI following a three-year investigation, targeted 241 scam websites and 112 servers. The fraudsters reportedly used Russian-language Facebook advertisements and fake financial advisers to lure victims into fraudulent crypto investments.

According to prosecutors, the criminals then compounded the harm by targeting the same victims a second time with fake offers to help them recover their stolen funds. Officials have so far seized approximately $300,000 in connection with the scheme.

The takedown highlights the significant scale of crypto-related investment fraud. Cryptocurrency scams accounted for roughly 84% of all investment-fraud losses reported to the FBI in 2025, underscoring the persistent threat to investors from sophisticated online schemes.