Andreas Szakacs' capture: how a $4 billion crypto scam fooled 3 million people

The Astonishing Scope of the OmegaPro Fraud

Andreas Szakacs, a Swedish citizen operating under the Turkish identity of Emre Avcı, has been revealed as the mastermind behind an unprecedented crypto scam in the industry. At the helm of the OmegaPro platform, this scammer orchestrated a fraudulent system starting in 2019 that affected approximately 3 million victims worldwide, generating estimated illegal gains of $4 billion. This case highlights the persistent vulnerabilities of the digital asset market and the need for increased vigilance.

How the System Gained Investors’ Trust

The success of this scam relied on a sophisticated manipulation strategy. The initiators promised staggering returns, up to 300 percent, which should have alerted even the most cautious investors. To bolster their credibility, they formed partnerships with prominent public figures—famous footballers, actors, and entrepreneurs—creating an aura of legitimacy.

ostentatious displays of wealth were also a key part of the strategy: luxury yachts, private jets, and high-end vehicles served as tangible proof of a success they claimed to share. Meanwhile, false information was disseminated through channels mimicking prestigious publications like Forbes, reinforcing the illusion of a thriving, well-established enterprise.

The Ponzi Architecture That Fueled the Scam

At the heart of this fraudulent mechanism was a classic Ponzi scheme. The scammers maintained the facade by paying promised interest to early investors using capital from new recruits. This unsustainable mechanic persisted for several years before the structure collapsed.

Details of the Arrest and Discoveries

Andreas Szakacs had taken refuge in Istanbul, hiding in a luxury villa located in Beykoz. During the crackdown by Turkish authorities, police discovered 32 cold wallets—offline storage devices containing diverted cryptocurrencies. Digital record analysis revealed a monthly transaction volume of $160 million, demonstrating the ongoing scale of the operation.

The Devastating Impact on Victims

Three million people suffered direct consequences from this scam, with class-action lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions including France, Nigeria, and Colombia. A particularly notable case comes from the Netherlands, where a group of 3,000 victims represented reportedly suffered total losses of $103 million.

Lessons and Prevention for the Future

The arrest of Emre Avcı marks a turning point in this case, but recovering funds for victims remains a complex and uncertain process. This event serves as a crucial reminder of the intrinsic dangers of the crypto sector and the importance of rigorous due diligence before any financial engagement.

Investors must absolutely consult reliable and verified sources, cross-check information through multiple trusted channels, and remain skeptical of promises of extraordinary returns. This case illustrates how blockchain technology, although promising, can be exploited by malicious actors. Only an informed and cautious approach can protect market participants from such schemes.