US and Dutch Authorities Dismantle Crypto-Fueled Fake ID Operation

Dutch and U.S. law enforcement agencies have shut down VerifTools, a major online marketplace for counterfeit identity documents that processed $6.4 million in cryptocurrency payments. The operation, which sold fake IDs for as little as $9, utilized 23 servers across physical and virtual infrastructures in Amsterdam.

Authorities highlight the sophistication of modern fake IDs, featuring holograms and UV ink that make them nearly indistinguishable from genuine documents. The FBI seized two domains and a promotional blog, while Dutch cybercrime units took control of the server infrastructure.

With an estimated annual turnover of €1.3 million ($1.5 million), VerifTools ranked among the largest international suppliers of fraudulent identification. The takedown reflects growing interagency cooperation in combating crypto-enabled cybercrime.