Yeliz Atmaca 
Germany has shut down a cryptocurrency exchange and confiscated its assets in a major crackdown. The Frankfurt Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) seized cryptocurrency worth $38 million during a raid on the eXch exchange. This operation underscores Germany’s determination to combat cryptocurrency-related crimes.
Why Was the eXch Exchange Targeted?
Operating since 2014, eXch allowed transactions without user identity verification (KYC), making it attractive to cybercriminals. The BKA reports that the exchange facilitated $1.9 billion in transaction volume, enabling money laundering and hack-related activities. Connections were identified with the $1.4 billion Bybit hack and the Genesis Creditor theft. The operation resulted in the seizure of the platform’s servers and 8 terabytes of data.
Operation Details
Germany collaborated with international law enforcement agencies. The seized assets include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Dash. This marks the third-largest cryptocurrency operation in BKA history. The platform has been completely shut down, and user data is now in the hands of authorities. This development highlights the accelerating global fight against crypto crimes.
This operation serves as a clear warning to cryptocurrency exchanges. Platforms that fail to comply with KYC and AML regulations are on the authorities’ radar. Blockchain security and regulatory compliance are now more critical than ever. Germany’s move could set a precedent for other countries.
Senior prosecutor Benjamin Krause, commenting on the seizure, emphasized “the importance of acting against fast and anonymous opportunities for money laundering of any amount.”
“Crypto swapping is a fundamental component of the underground economy. It is used to conceal criminal proceeds from illegal activities such as hacking or trading stolen payment card data, thereby enabling perpetrators to access these funds,” he said.
Authorities are leveraging technology to eliminate the anonymity advantage for criminals. Cryptocurrency users, meanwhile, should prioritize trusted and regulated platforms.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.