Police in the Basque Country of Spain have reported a surge in cryptocurrency crimes in the region.

PANews reported on March 17th that, according to DL News, the Basque Country Police (Ertzaintza) in Spain stated that cryptocurrency-related crimes are on the rise in the region, with 541 related cases investigated in 2025, many of which are still under investigation. The police have equipped themselves with specialized tools to monitor cryptocurrency transactions on multiple blockchain networks and have established a 26-member cybercrime unit specifically to combat cryptocurrency fraud, hacking, and other crimes. The cases under investigation include 13 suspected cryptocurrency fraud cases, 2 suspected cryptocurrency money laundering cases, as well as tax evasion and illegal purchases of goods and services. Police warned that fraudsters impersonate friends and family on social media platforms like Instagram, offering investment advice and tricking victims into installing applications that can remotely control devices, thereby stealing cryptocurrency wallets and bank accounts.