<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true"><li>State officials in New York disrupted a crypto scam targeting Russian-speaking New Yorkers.</li><li>The operation resulted in the seizure of $140,000 and freezing of $300,000 in cryptocurrency.</li><li>The scam operated through WhalesTrade.com, utilizing a fake BitLicense certificate and funding from stolen crypto.</li><li>Over 700 Facebook accounts linked to the scam were shut down by Meta.</li><li>The scam originated in Brooklyn and spread via misleading Facebook advertisements.</li><li>Investigators traced stolen cryptocurrency to domain registrations and fake investment offers.</li><li>The scam exploited trust by showcasing a fake BitLicense to appear legitimate.</li><li>Regulators warned of the scam's sophisticated tactics to exploit vulnerable users.</li><li>WhalesTrade.com has been taken offline following the investigation.</li><li>Residents are cautioned to verify licenses and avoid unsolicited investment offers on social media.</li><li>Authorities are continuing to investigate the broader network behind the scam.</li></ul>

Crypto Scam Targeting Russian-Speaking New Yorkers Disrupted by State Officials

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