For the first time in history, Japanese authorities arrested a group of 18 fraudsters by analyzing Monero transactions. The criminals used this cryptocurrency to launder money, causing damage amounting to approximately 100 million yen ($670,000).
According to Japanese media, the police tracked around 900 transactions related to Monero, which helped uncover the actions of the criminal group. The leader of the gang is suspected to be Yuta Kobayashi, who was arrested along with other participants on charges of money laundering and computer fraud.
The investigation into the group began in August, shortly after the establishment of a new cybercrime unit, which was organized in April this year to combat the growing threats in the field of cybersecurity.
