Online Trading Fraud — Bank Account Seizure and Fund Recovery

Our client was the victim of a fake online trading scheme. We obtained the precautionary seizure of the fraudsters' bank accounts, directly targeting the current accounts where the stolen funds were held. Full recovery followed through the criminal proceedings.

The fake trading scheme

The client was drawn into a fake trading operation through initial contact on social media. The platform presented realistic charts, a professional interface, and regular updates from a personal 'advisor'. After several months of building trust, the client transferred a substantial sum that was never seen again. The platform closed, contact ceased, and withdrawal requests went unanswered.

Bank account seizure

A distinctive feature of this case was our ability to identify the specific bank accounts at Italian and European institutions through which the client's transfers had been routed. We provided the judicial authority with precise documentary evidence — SWIFT records, IBAN details, and beneficiary information — enabling targeted precautionary seizure orders to be issued promptly.

When the trail leads to a European bank account, recovery becomes significantly more achievable. Italian criminal law — combined with EU judicial cooperation — gives us effective tools to freeze and recover funds even across borders.

Outcome

The fraudsters' accounts were seized. The funds were recovered and returned to our client through the criminal restitution process. The perpetrators were identified and face criminal charges.