In early 2025, global law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to combat cryptocurrency-related scams and AI-driven deepfake frauds, leading to significant arrests across multiple countries.
On January 5, Vietnamese police apprehended four individuals involved in a cryptocurrency mining scam that defrauded over 200 victims of approximately 4 billion Vietnamese dong ($157,300). The suspects, led by Tran Minh Quang, operated a fraudulent crypto-mining website named BitMiner, falsely presenting it as a Dubai-based company and luring investors with promises of unrealistic returns.
In the United States, the Springfield Police Department in Massachusetts issued warnings about a rise in cryptocurrency-related scams, particularly those involving crypto ATMs. Scammers have been directing victims to deposit funds into these machines, effectively transferring money to the fraudsters. Authorities advise citizens to be cautious of any payment demands in cryptocurrency and to disconnect such calls immediately.
Additionally, Hong Kong police arrested 31 individuals, primarily university students, involved in AI deepfake scams that defrauded victims of approximately 34 million Hong Kong dollars ($4.37 million). The syndicate utilized AI face-swapping technology to impersonate attractive individuals, engaging victims in deceptive romantic relationships to facilitate financial fraud. Operating for over a year, the group targeted individuals in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States.
