Binance Aids India’s ED in Uncovering $47M Fiewin Fraud

• India’s ED and Binance’s FIU probed into the Fiewin gaming app’s $47 million investor fund fraud.
• The Enforcement Directorate arrested four individuals linked to Fiewin’s fraudulent activities.
• The gaming app lured clients into online betting and gaming, promising high returns.

Binance exchange, shared details on its role in helping India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigate and dismantle a fraudulent online gaming platform, Fiewin. The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals allegedly involved in a ₹400 crore (approximately $47.6 million) scam.

In a blog post released today, Binance detailed how its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) provided critical assistance to the ED. Fiewin initially presented itself as a legitimate gaming platform but lured users into online betting and gaming with promises of exorbitant returns. Binance’s FIU furnished the ED with vital analytical support, helping investigators track the flow of illicit funds through the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The development highlights the significance of collaborations between government agencies and private platforms to fight financial crimes. An ED representative pinpointed Binance’s crucial role in preserving the integrity of India’s crypto space. They stated,

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“Public-private collaborations are crucial in tackling complex financial crimes. Binance’s specialized investigation team is a great example of how private-sector firms can work closely with law enforcement. In this case, they provided us with analytical support that contributed to the investigation.”

Fiewin’s Deception Unravelled

The Fiewin app enticed users with the promise of significant returns by playing mini-games. The platform offered easy account creation and encouraged users to participate in various gaming activities. However, after accumulating substantial user funds, Fiewin blocked withdrawals.

The ED’s investigation revealed that the platform amassed around $47 million in customer funds through deceptive tactics. These funds ended up in numerous crypto wallets linked to the fraud.

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As user complaints mounted, the ED, with Binance’s support, launched an investigation. Investigators discovered that the app operated as part of a larger global criminal network. The perpetrators utilized fake bank accounts and crypto wallets to hide the illegal funds, creating an intricate money trail designed to avoid detection.

However, Binance’s FIU helped investigators decipher the scam’s complex network and follow the laundered money across various crypto wallets.