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Germany seizes 47 cryptocurrency exchanges reportedly used by ransomware groups

Webpage announcing seized crypto exchange. Letter reads: "Operation Final Exchange THIS WAS YOUR FINAL EXCHANGE! This is for you, ransomware affiliates, botnet operators and darknet vendors: For years, the operators of these criminal exchange services have led you to believe that their hosting cannot be found, that they do not store any customer data and that all data is deleted immediately after the transaction. An apparently unregulated hub allowing you to launder the proceeds of your criminal activities without fear of prosecution. From our point of view: nothing but empty promises! We have found their servers and seized them - development servers, production servers, backup servers. We have their data and therefore we have your data. Transactions, registration data, IP addresses. Our search for traces begins. See you soon."Warning on seized domains (attribution)
German authorities have seized 47 cryptocurrency exchanges alleged to have been used to launder stolen funds by ransomware groups. The exchanges did not require KYC, allowing customers to remain anonymous throughout their transactions.

Websites for these exchanges now show notices announcing a law enforcement operation called "Operation Final Exchange". The page announces to visitors "This was your final exchange!", and in a letter addressed to "ransomware affiliates, botnet operators and darknet vendors", warns that authorities are now working to trace the illicit users of the exchange.

Theme tags: Law