Wellington Man Arrested in $265M International Crypto Fraud Scheme
A Wellington-based individual has been apprehended in Auckland as part of a global crackdown on a NZD$450 million cryptocurrency fraud operation. The syndicate, under FBI investigation, involved coordinated efforts across New Zealand and the U.S., with search warrants executed in Auckland, Wellington, and California.
Thirteen suspects worldwide now face charges linked to the scheme. Chief Inspector Christiaan Barnard confirmed the arrested individual—whose name remains suppressed—faces multiple severe charges from the U.S. Department of Justice. The operation highlights escalating international enforcement against crypto-related financial crimes.