Argentine authorities have dismantled a criminal group involved in cyber fraud and money laundering. The group scammed companies and financial institutions, primarily in the agricultural sector, out of more than $1.8 trillion. The operation was carried out by agents of the Federal Department of Investigations (DFI) of the Argentine Federal Police, coordinated by the Ministry of National Security to combat cybercrime. The investigation began in October of this year, stemming from a case of repeated fraud and money laundering schemes. The group's modus operandi involved using forged documents to open bank accounts at various private bank branches, from which they would access loans. The funds were immediately transferred to accounts operated by cryptocurrency companies. The money was then redirected to other platforms in the same sector, converted into virtual assets, and sent to digital wallets of unknown origin, creating the appearance of legality for their operations. It was confirmed that none of those involved were registered in the Registry of Virtual Asset Service Providers (PSAV), a mandatory requirement under current regulations, which reinforced the hypothesis of a scheme designed to launder illicit funds. Through reports from various bank branches, several victimized companies were identified, all linked to the agricultural sector, confirming that the stolen amount reached $1.8 trillion through multiple transactions. Judge César Solazzi ordered eight raids: two in the City of Buenos Aires, four in the province of Buenos Aires, and two in Santa Fe. During the raids, three men were arrested, two other individuals were notified, and significant sums of cash, foreign currency, and electronic devices were seized. The operations took place in the Buenos Aires neighborhoods of Almagro and Puerto Madero, and in the Buenos Aires localities of Claypole, Villa Luzuriaga, Ramos Mejía, and Colón, as well as in Rosario and General López, with the collaboration of federal and provincial forces. One of the suspects was arrested in a public place at the intersection of Avenida Belgrano and Castro Barros following intelligence work that located him at another address in the City of Buenos Aires. The detainees and accused individuals, all Argentine adults, are at the disposal of the Justice, accused of the crime of illicit association.
