Overview of Global Trader Scam On November 12, 2021, Scam-Or Project published a report exposing the Global Trader broker scam (www.globaltrader.io). The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued an official warning against this fraudulent operation. The scam falsely claims to have offices in Canary Wharf, London, but no information about the operating legal entity or jurisdiction is provided. Disclaimer: Dream Finance OÜ, an Estonia-based licensed crypto payment processor, was identified in the report as a payment processor for the scam. However, the company issued a statement to Scam-Or Project clarifying that it does not support scams and that it…
Author: Tom
Overview of Global Trader Scam and Facilitators In November 2021, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a warning against the Global Trader scam (www.globaltrader.io). Scam-Or Project published a detailed report on the broker scam, revealing the involvement of payment processors such as PayPound for credit and debit card payments and Dream Finance OÜ, an Estonian licensed crypto payment processor doing business as CryptoProcessing and CoinsPaid. Disclaimer: Dream Finance OÜ issued a statement to Scam-Or Project clarifying that they do not support scams. The company asserts that UK-registered Charge Money Ltd abused its services to process payments for the Global…
Overview of CoinsPaid Group In August 2022, Scam-Or Project reviewed CoinsPaid Group, highlighting its significant role as a high-risk crypto payment processor specializing in online gambling and casinos. CoinsPaid’s subsidiary, CryptoProcessing, claims to be the leading crypto processor globally by transaction volume. Despite its achievements, the group has faced controversies, including brief involvement with the scam Global Trader broker via its UK partner, Charge Money Ltd. After Scam-Or Project warning, the business relationship was terminated. Key Data AttributeDetailsTrading NamesCoinsPaid, CryptoProcessingBusiness ActivitiesCrypto exchange & OTC desk operatorHigh-risk crypto payment processorDomainshttps://cryptoprocessing.comhttps://coinspaid.comSocial MediaLinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TwitterLegal EntitiesDream Finance OÜ (Estonia), A.R. Merkeleon GmbH…
CoinsPaid and CryptoProcessing Performance On October 25, 2022, CoinsPaid, along with CryptoProcessing, released a press statement claiming its position as the largest crypto payment ecosystem. According to the announcement, the platform has processed over €16 billion in cryptocurrency to date, growing at a rate of nearly €1 billion per month, even amidst a declining market. During Q3 2022, CoinsPaid reportedly handled 4.9 million transactions worth approximately €3 billion. Key Data AttributeDetailsTrading NamesCoinsPaid, CryptoProcessingBusiness ActivitiesCrypto exchange & OTC desk operatorHigh-risk crypto payment processorDomainsCryptoProcessing.comCoinsPaid.comSocial MediaLinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TwitterLegal EntitiesDream Finance OÜ (Estonia), Dream Finance UAB (Lithuania), Dream Finance S.A. (El Salvador)A.R. Merkeleon…
CoinsPaid’s Operational Structure CoinsPaid, a crypto payment processor, operates under legal entities based in Estonia, Lithuania, and El Salvador. The company operates via Dream Finance OÜ, holding a crypto license in Estonia. Austrian entrepreneur Alexander Horst Riedinger controls the company, with Max Krupyshev serving as CEO. In a recent press release, CoinsPaid disclosed that it processed a transaction volume of approximately €3 billion in Q4 2022, reflecting a more than 30% increase compared to Q4 2021. Key Metrics for Q4 2022 Highlights from the Press Release: Leadership Insights Max Krupyshev, Co-Founder and CEO of CoinsPaid, stated: “While 2022 was a…
Overview of Pokerdom and CryptoProcessing Pokerdom is an online gambling platform that primarily serves Russia and Belarus. According to Similarweb statistics, approximately 90% of the visitors to Pokerdom’s various websites over the past 28 days originated from these two countries, which are under Western sanctions. The Austrian-controlled crypto payment processor CryptoProcessing, operating under an Estonian crypto license, facilitates cryptocurrency transactions for Pokerdom. Payment Methods on Pokerdom Available Deposit Options: The Pokerdom website (https://bcw7pokerdom.com) recorded around 181,000 visitors in the last 28 days, with nearly 90% coming from Russia. Key Observations: Dream Finance Group Structure Key Entities and Leadership: Financial and…
Overview of the Cyberattack On July 30, 2023, Estonia-based crypto payment processor CoinsPaid, controlled by Austrian national Alexander Horst Riedinger and his Ukrainian partner Max Krupyshev, reported a significant cyberattack. Approximately $37 million in cryptocurrency was stolen, with the North Korean Lazarus Group suspected to be behind the attack. The company responded by suspending automatic transactions and migrating its systems to a new, more secure infrastructure. Details of the CoinsPaid Cyberattack The attack involved advanced tactics, including: Impact on CoinsPaid Operations: Revenue Impact and Future Steps CoinsPaid acknowledged potential revenue impacts resulting from the cyberattack. However, swift detection and remediation…
Overview of the Cyber Heist On August 3, 2023, the crypto payment processor CoinsPaid announced its recovery following a significant hack by the North Korean cybercrime group Lazarus. As reported by Scam-Or Project, the cyberattack resulted in the theft of approximately $37 million in cryptocurrency. Despite this, CoinsPaid has demonstrated resilience by restoring its operations and regaining customer trust. Key Recovery Milestones CoinsPaid’s response to the hack highlights its commitment to operational stability and security: Enhanced Security Measures In response to the attack, CoinsPaid implemented robust security protocols to safeguard its platform: CEO Commentary Max Krupyshev, CEO of CoinsPaid, remarked:…
Payment Processors and the Gambling Industry Updated February 3, 2024: We have removed the FCA-regulated payment institution Volt from the list of payment facilitators for online casinos and gambling platforms. According to their lawyers, Simmons & Simmons (website), Volt’s technology and brand are used by online casino operators, but Volt itself denies direct involvement. This matter remains under investigation, and separate reports on Volt have been prepared. Recent analysis of the online gambling sector highlights a troubling trend where regulated and unregulated payment processors inadvertently facilitate unauthorized and illegal gambling operations. FinCrime Observer’s report sheds light on these practices, emphasizing…
Warning Against RichKing Casino RichKing Casino is an online gambling and casino platform currently acquiring customers in Germany and other EEA countries. However, the website does not disclose any legal entity as its operator and lacks any known license in Germany or other EEA jurisdictions. These activities classify RichKing Casino as an illegal gambling provider. Our investigation has identified PayOp, PayDo, CoinsPaid, and PunRun Limited as payment facilitators for this platform. These entities are integrated into the Praxis payment gateway. Key Data AttributeDetailsTrading NameRichKing CasinoBusiness ActivitiesOnline casino, gambling, and sports bettingDomainhttps://richkingcasino.comLegal EntityPunRun Limited, CyprusJurisdictionCyprusAuthorizationNonePayment ProcessorsPraxis, CoinsPaid, PunRun, PayOp, PayDoRelated Brands18bet…