Nightclub Gear Seized in Cybercrime Money Laundering Bust
Officers swooped on Fold nightclub in Canning Town back in 2019, seizing equipment linked to the notorious QQAAZZ organised crime group. The club, run by Lasha Zhorzholiani, was at the heart of an international probe into this global money laundering ring.
QQAAZZ: The Cybercrime Cash Washers
QQAAZZ specialised in laundering money for some of the world’s deadliest cybercriminal gangs. These hackers continue to hit the UK with sophisticated malware, causing massive financial damage. Investigators revealed QQAAZZ ran its shady money laundering racket from London, hiding stolen cash through shell companies, mule accounts, and cryptocurrency.
Crime Money Funded Nightclub Luxury
Enquiries uncovered that the nightclub’s pricey equipment was paid for using stolen funds filtered through a web of bank accounts and shell companies tied to QQAAZZ. Earlier this month, the National Crime Agency (NCA) took civil action in the High Court, branding the equipment as criminal proceeds. Zhorzholiani was served the claim, and a recovery order was swiftly agreed.
NCA Cracks Down with Civil Powers
“Money launderers provide a key enabling service to the most harmful cyber crime groups by allowing them ready access to vast sums of money they have generated through criminal activity,” said Richard Winstanley of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit.
“This case shows how civil recovery powers help us strip criminals of their illicit gains. It’s a prime example of teamwork between our criminal investigators and civil recovery practitioners to tackle serious organised crime and protect the public.”
“Our investigation into QQAAZZ’s UK operations continues, with further criminal and disruptive actions underway.”
The wider QQAAZZ crackdown was led by Europol, spanning 16 countries and resulting in 20 arrests across Europe.
