How Did Four Men Commit One of Norway’s Biggest Crypto Frauds?

Norwegian authorities have charged four men in connection with a large-scale cryptocurrency investment fraud that defrauded thousands of investors. 

Authorities say the scheme raked in over 900 million kroner ($80 million) by promising high returns on fake investments. The stolen funds were allegedly laundered through a Norwegian law firm and companies in Asia, making them hard to track. Økokrim calls it one of Norway’s biggest investment fraud cases.

The National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, known as Økokrim, described the case as one of Norway’s largest investment frauds. Prosecutors claim the accused misled investors into believing they were backing profitable ventures in gas, mining, and real estate. Instead, the scheme functioned as a classic Ponzi structure, with new investor funds paying out earlier participants.

The Fraudulent Scheme: Empty Promises and Fake Investments

Between March 2015 and November 2018, the accused promoted an investment opportunity that promised high returns through shares and cryptocurrencies tied to valuable assets. Investors were convinced they were backing a thriving business, supported by staged marketing events and polished presentations.

However, Økokrim’s investigation found no evidence of real investments. Instead, the funds were circulated to sustain the illusion of profitability, with early investors receiving payouts funded by new recruits. This model expanded rapidly across multiple countries, drawing in a large pool of victims who trusted the fraudulent promises.

Authorities claim that to conceal illicit gains, over 700 million Norwegian kroner ($62 million) was funneled through a Norwegian law firm’s client accounts and shell companies in Asia. These tactics made it difficult for investigators to trace and recover stolen funds.

“The use of client accounts and company structures in Norway and abroad has complicated efforts to track the money,” Økokrim stated.

The Accused: Who Are They?

The four men charged are Norwegian citizens in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Their specific roles in the fraud include:

• Three men allegedly responsible for collecting investor funds

• One man accused of facilitating the money laundering process

The trial is set to take place at the Oslo District Court in September and is expected to last 60 days. If convicted, the defendants could face severe financial penalties and long prison sentences under Norwegian fraud and money laundering laws.

Despite the weight of evidence, the accused deny any wrongdoing.

• Christian Flemmen Johansen, defense lawyer for one of the defendants, stated his client completely rejects the charges.

• Ole Petter Drevland, representing another defendant, echoed the same stance, arguing that his client has no criminal responsibility.

• Legal representation details for the other two defendants have not yet been disclosed.

The digital nature of cryptocurrency transactions makes fraud investigations more complex. Ponzi and pyramid schemes in crypto continue to target investors worldwide, often using aggressive marketing tactics and exaggerated profit claims.

Authorities globally are tightening regulations to combat financial crime in the crypto sector, but cross-border transactions and anonymous wallets present ongoing challenges.