For the first time in crypto history, Japanese authorities arrested a gang of 18 scammers by analyzing Monero transactions.

Japanese authorities analyzed approximately 900 Monero (XMR)-based money laundering transactions from the gang of scammers, which caused approximately 100 million yen ($670,000) worth of damage during their criminal activity.

Japanese authorities told local media outlet Nikkei that this marks the first time in history that the country’s law enforcement agencies have used Monero transactions to identify a group of criminals.

The criminal group and their suspected leader, Yuta Kobayashi, have been arrested for money laundering through the privacy-preserving cryptocurrency Monero (XMR) and computer fraud.

Security incidents by chain in 3Q24. Source: CertiK

The gang of 18 has been under investigation since August, shortly after the formation of the National Police Agency’s Cyber Special Investigation Unit, which was formed in April to tackle the growing cybercrime in the country.

This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.