Fake crypto investment scandal in Poland: Many lost their entire life savings
Using fake advertisements featuring real public figures, they defrauded hundreds of people, in some cases of sums running into several million. The trail leads to “Eastern intelligence services.”
An article by Gazeta Wyborcza describes a large-scale, multi-country online financial fraud scheme allegedly linked to “Eastern intelligence-service circles,” centered around fake investment platforms. These platforms were typically concealed behind companies registered in tropical tax havens and claimed to invest in cryptocurrencies and other financial instruments, promising exceptionally high returns. In reality, no genuine investments were made: the money paid in by victims was siphoned off, transferred onward, or simply made to disappear by the organizers.
Professional ads scammed private individuals and banks too
The criminals primarily targeted victims through manipulated online advertisements. These often used the names and images of well-known public figures, politicians, or celebrities without permission, creating the impression that these individuals themselves were endorsing the investments. The ads were professionally produced and frequently closely resembled genuine press articles or interviews, significantly increasing their apparent credibility.
The scammers’ activities were not limited to deceiving private individuals. According to the article, they also managed to involve banks and to channel financial transactions through them, resulting in losses that in individual cases reached millions. The number of victims may run into the hundreds, including people who lost their entire savings.
Priority treatment amid potential Eastern European political ties
The seriousness of the case is underscored by the fact that the investigation in Poland is being coordinated by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Kraków, with operational work carried out by the Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime (CBZC). Due to the scope of the case, a joint international investigative team has also been established, supported by Eurojust and Europol, while Polish authorities are additionally cooperating with U.S. law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.
The article places particular emphasis on the emergence of personal and financial links during the investigation that lead to individuals connected to Eastern European political and intelligence-service circles. No specific countries or names are mentioned, but the wording suggests that the fraud network may have been close not only to criminal structures but also to entities enjoying political or institutional protection or connections. According to the article, this explains both the cautious language used and the priority treatment the case is receiving from the authorities.
