Indian law enforcement authorities have dismantled a cryptocurrency scam network with money laundering implications dating back to 2015.

According to Mars Finance, the Indian Enforcement Agency (ED) raided 21 residential and office locations in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and New Delhi during a money laundering investigation, uncovering a network of fake cryptocurrency investment platforms. Operating since 2015, the group used celebrity images and fake trading websites promising high returns to attract investors from India and overseas, laundering funds through cryptocurrency wallets, P2P transfers, shell companies, and underground banks. Websites involved include goldbooker.com and cryptobrite.com, and official investment risk warnings have been issued.