Argentina Arrests Chinese Crypto Scammer at Buenos Aires Airport
Argentine police arrested a Chinese national at Buenos Aires airport after he arrived from Paris with false documents. The suspect is wanted by a Lagos Federal Court for running a crypto scam that defrauded 800 victims.
Key Takeaway
Cross-border crypto fraud enforcement is tightening as Interpol and local police coordinate to catch scammers at airports.
Airport Security Police arrested a Chinese national identified only as DZ at Ezeiza International Airport after he arrived from Paris with false documents.
The suspect is wanted by a Lagos Federal Court for a crypto scam that cost victims an estimated ₱2.95 billion ($49.4 million). Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said he didn't even make it inside the country, adding that the Airport Security Police, Federal Police, and immigration officers acted immediately.
Nigeria is asking for his extradition, and authorities plan to deport him, Monteoliva said. The scam followed the classic playbook. DZ promised investors high returns if they put money into his crypto platform, according to official sources who spoke to Argentine newspaper Clarín. Victims soon found they were unable to access the platform or make withdrawals.
The Federal Court in Lomas de Zamora is processing the extradition request. DZ appears on Interpol's wanted list for money laundering and fraud charges.
Nigeria has been cracking down hard on crypto fraud. A Lagos court sentenced two Chinese directors to 46 years in prison each in February 2025 for a separate ₱149.36 million ($2.5 million) crypto scam. Police arrested almost 800 people in a massive operation in December 2025.
This article was written based on reporting from Dlnews.
