European authorities have broken up a crypto laundering ring that moved over E21 million for criminal groups tied to China and the Middle East. Dubbed the 'mafia crypto bank,' the group used the hawala method and cryptocurrency to obscure illicit fund transfers.

Seventeen suspects were arrested in a Spanish-led operation, with additional arrests in Austria and Belgium. Most of those detained were of Chinese and Syrian origin, allegedly serving clients involved in drug trafficking and migrant smuggling.

Police seized E4.5 million in assets, including digital currencies, cash, vehicles, shotguns, and luxury goods.

The group posed as a remittance business and advertised its services on social media. The crackdown highlights growing concern over crypto's role in organised crime, with illicit transactions reaching$51.3 billion in 2024.

Crypto crime continues to surge in 2025, with$1.74 billion in losses reported already-exceeding all of last year.

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