Authorities in Albania and France have uncovered an alleged computer fraud scheme involving nearly €2 million, following a joint investigation into cryptocurrency-related scams, prosecutors said.

Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK), in cooperation with judicial police officers from the Financial and Digital Division of the Gendarmerie in Pau, France, carried out searches a day earlier at a call center and four apartments in the capital Tirana.

According to SPAK, five individuals were involved in the ?????????? activity, including an Albanian national identified as Gentian Pjetërgjoka, who has been arrested and is believed to have led the operation.

Investigators say the group defrauded at least four French citizens of €845,400. Following additional complaints from nine other victims, the total is estimated to reach approximately €1.1 million for the period between February and May 2023—bringing the overall suspected damage close to €2 million.

French prosecutors in Pau are conducting parallel investigations into alleged fraud linked to cryptocurrency investments carried out through the platform “UNIVERSAL TRADE” (universaltrade.io), as well as aggravated money laundering tied to the case.

Evidence gathered by SPAK indicates that Albanian suspects opened cryptocurrency wallets to facilitate the transfer of funds to the perpetrators. Questioning of several individuals identified as A.B., E.Sh., and B.Z. suggested that Pjetërgjoka played a central role in creating these wallets and transferring victims’ funds.

“In these circumstances, the detention order issued by the special prosecutor has been executed by investigators of the National Bureau of Investigation,” SPAK said in its statement.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities in both countries continuing efforts to identify and prosecute those involved.