A 23-year-old suspect from Groningen, arrested on December 27, 2024, on suspicion of, among other things, laundering cryptocurrencies, remains in provisional detention. This was decided by the court after the preliminary hearing on March 28.
During this first public session, the prosecutor provided an update. The investigation started after a suspicion of money laundering arose from an investigation into bank helpdesk fraud by East Netherlands. It was noted that a lot of money ultimately ended up through accounts and cryptocurrency accounts linked to the 23-year-old suspect. After the investigation was taken over by North Netherlands, it became increasingly clear that the suspect was involved in fraudulent practices. Ultimately, this resulted in five searches in December 2024 and January 2025 in Groningen, Assen, and Delfzijl. During these searches, various data carriers, valuable goods, and over 1.5 million euros in cryptocurrencies were seized. The Public Prosecution Service suspects that these cryptocurrencies have a criminal origin.
So far, the investigation has produced six criminal offenses, including bank helpdesk fraud with three victims. These complainants are said to have been defrauded for more than 250,000 euros in total. Filing a report is important. This way, police can track down perpetrators, protect others from fraud, and contribute to a safer financial system. Even when the report contains little investigative possibilities, it is wise to file a report. It often happens that an old report is solved by investigating a phone or laptop of a suspect arrested in another investigation.
It appears that the suspect has paid young people to commit bank helpdesk fraud for him, allowing him to earn a lot of criminal money. This would enable him to live a luxurious life.
A scientific study on money mules shows that nearly one in ten young people has been approached to provide a debit card or bank account or are recruited to commit criminal activities for money. These often young criminals are called money mules. They are usually unaware of the risks and are lured by the promise of quick money. They also do not realize that money mules can be easily traced because the bank can follow the trail of the money and that they can be held liable for the damage. They also risk a criminal record if convicted. So, you think you easily earn 50 euros, but then you have to repay thousands of euros for years.
The investigation is not yet complete. A date for the substantive treatment is not yet available.