In a coordinated, international enforcement action, German investigators have arrested 18 people suspected of running an online payment-fraud and money-laundering operation. The raid drew on cooperation between local payment firms and law enforcement partners in several countries.

Prosecutors say that between 2016 and 2021 the alleged network misused credit card data belonging to about 4.3 million individuals from 193 nations, producing reported financial harm exceeding €300 million.

Officials from the public prosecutor's office and the Federal Criminal Police Office described the operation as part of ongoing work to dismantle large-scale cybercrime groups and stem cross-border financial wrongdoing. They stressed the importance of close coordination among banks, payment providers, and foreign authorities.

The inquiry continues, with investigators tracing money flows and communications to uncover further suspects and to shore up safeguards against future schemes.

The action highlights Germany’s resolve to protect consumers and the integrity of financial systems from sophisticated international fraud networks.