Police arrest international gang in $686 mln medicinal cannabis scam
Spanish police led an international operation to arrest a gang that defrauded 645 million euros from victims in 35 countries in a scam involving medicinal cannabis plants. The gang convinced victims to invest in the system through marketing tactics at international cannabis fairs. Nine suspects were detained in various countries on suspicion of fraud. The gang promised victims profits of up to 168% per year by financing the cultivation of cannabis plants. Luxury cars, hotel parties, and music videos were used in an advertising campaign. Police seized properties worth 2.6 billion euros and recovered cash and crypto currencies.