Spanish police have dismantled a significant investment fraud operation that defrauded victims of over $11.8 million, arresting 21 individuals during coordinated raids across multiple cities. The scammers exploited fake investment schemes through call centers and social media, luring victims with promises of high returns and locking their funds through deceptive practices. Authorities noted the unusual presence of these call centers in Spain, which are typically based in regions with less stringent law enforcement.

Abacus Market, a major darknet marketplace that supported Bitcoin transactions, has abruptly gone offline, raising suspicions of an exit scam where operators vanish with user funds. Despite claims from the marketplace's administrator regarding technical issues, community consensus leans towards the belief that the shutdown is an exit scam rather than law enforcement action. The marketplace had seen significant growth, with estimates of total sales reaching at least $300 million.