A major international law enforcement operation involving authorities from 11 countries has dismantled a cryptocurrency money laundering network known as “Aoudia6”, which allegedly laundered approximately US$390 million (around MVR 6 billion). Authorities also arrested individuals believed to be leading the operation.
According to information released by the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), the investigation focused on criminal activities that took place between 2022 and 2025. Two administrators of the network, identified as citizens of Russia and Ukraine, were arrested in Georgia.
During the operation, authorities seized 25 domains, more than 30 servers, and 80 vehicles linked to the criminal organization. Cryptocurrency accounts holding roughly US$900,000 were also frozen.
Investigators say Aoudia6 operated a “Mixer-as-a-Service” platform that helped ransomware groups and cybercriminals conceal the origin of stolen cryptocurrency. The service reportedly converted illicit crypto assets into seemingly legitimate funds within hours, charging fees ranging from 3% to 10%.
Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis reported that since 2021, wallets connected to the network had received approximately 10,333 Bitcoin, worth nearly US$389 million.
The group also operated an online forum called Dark2Web, where cybercriminals from around the world allegedly advertised and traded illegal services.
The investigation was coordinated by Eurojust and Europol, with participation from law enforcement agencies in the United States, Australia, France, Poland, Georgia, Iceland, Canada, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Authorities also discovered that the network created large numbers of fake accounts using stolen or purchased identities to move illicit funds. Investigators recovered more than 6,000 KYC files linked to money mule accounts used in the laundering operation.
The case follows another international crackdown in April, when the U.S. Department of Justice and Dubai Police shut down nine cryptocurrency scam centers and arrested 276 suspects.
Individuals involved in large-scale financial crimes such as money laundering can face severe penalties in many countries, including prison sentences of up to 20 years and substantial financial fines.
