A massive international crypto scam has resulted in guilty pleas from five men accused of defrauding Americans out of $36.9 million. The case, led by US authorities, involved a sophisticated scheme using shell companies and bank accounts to funnel stolen funds into Tether (USDT). The defendants built trust with victims through social media and dating platforms before taking their hard-earned money. Meanwhile, Australian authorities have dismantled a $123 million crypto laundering ring connected to a security firm after an 18-month investigation. This crackdown on crypto-related crime shows the increasing focus on combating these illicit activities globally. The US Treasury Department is working to combat financial crimes linked to Asia by targeting money laundering schemes associated with North Korea’s Lazarus Group. Investigations in both countries highlight ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.