German and Swiss authorities have dismantled Cryptomixer, a Bitcoin mixing service that processed more than $1.4 billion in illicit funds since 2016. The coordinated action in Zurich led to the seizure of three servers, 12 terabytes of data, and more than $27 million in cryptocurrency, according to Europol.
Investigators said the service operated on both the clear web and dark web, enabling ransomware groups and darknet markets to obscure the origin of proceeds from cyber extortion, drug trafficking, and payment-card fraud. The takedown included the seizure of the platform’s domain and the placement of a law enforcement banner on its website.
Cybercrime analysts noted the loss of Cryptomixer will temporarily disrupt laundering operations that depended on the service. However, they expect most criminal groups to shift to alternative mixers, cross-chain bridges, or high-risk exchanges, reflecting an ongoing trend in Europe’s broader crackdown on crypto-enabled crime.
