Overview
- Authorities from Bavaria's cybercrime unit and Würzburg police searched 14 locations in Germany and Israel on November 25, with focal points in Tel Aviv and Düsseldorf.
- The operation targeted two publishers in Düsseldorf and Winnenden alleged to have run misleading online campaigns that misused celebrity images and TV branding.
- Investigators have confirmed at least 120 German victims with losses exceeding €1.3 million, and about 3,300 German data records were supplied to fraudulent call centers.
- Preliminary analyses indicate the Israel-based affiliate network may have generated revenues in the high three-digit millions of euros, a figure still being evaluated.
- Large volumes of digital evidence were seized for extended forensic review, and prosecutors say suspected use of AI or deepfakes in the ads remains unproven.