Cyber Crime Cash Laundered Through London Nightclub
Police seized nightclub kit in 2019 at Fold nightclub in Canning Town, run by Lasha Zhorzholiani. The raid was part of a massive international probe into the notorious QQAAZZ organised crime group.
QQAAZZ: Masters of Money Laundering
The QQAAZZ gang specialised in laundering cash for some of the world’s nastiest cyber criminals. These cyber crooks keep blasting the UK with high-tech malware, causing millions in losses.
Investigators revealed QQAAZZ ran their money laundering empire from London using shell companies, mule bank accounts, and cryptocurrency. This clever cocktail hid crime cash stolen from UK firms and abroad.
Stolen Funds Bought Nightclub Gear
Records show the nightclub equipment was paid for with funds funnelled through multiple shell company bank accounts, all sourced from hacked companies.
Earlier this month, the National Crime Agency (NCA) launched a High Court civil claim to prove the nightclub gear was bought with dirty money. Zhorzholiani was served the claim and a recovery order was agreed.
NCA Cracks Down on Cyber Launderers
Richard Winstanley from the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit said: “Money launderers enable the most harmful cyber crime gangs by giving them access to vast stolen sums. Using civil recovery laws, we’ve stopped criminals keeping their illicit gains.”
“This case shows how our criminal and civil teams work together to smash organised crime and protect the public.”
“Our investigation into QQAAZZ’s UK network continues, with arrests and further disruptions on the cards.”
The Europol-coordinated crackdown spanned 16 countries and led to 20 arrests across Europe.
