智利出动超500名探员抓捕电诈团伙：“盘踞在该国北部自贸区、成员构成极其复杂”，涉案金额达2亿美元

Core Insights - A large-scale operation by Chilean police dismantled a multinational crime syndicate involved in a significant fraud scheme targeting U.S. citizens, particularly the elderly, with losses amounting to $200 million [1][3] Group 1: Crime Operation Details - The crime group operated through fake online investment platforms, luring victims into believing they were making high-return financial investments [3] - Approximately 400 American victims have been confirmed, with a total fraud amount reaching $200 million [3] - The operation's center was located in Iquique, a port city about 1,800 kilometers north of Santiago, within a prominent free trade zone [3] Group 2: Money Laundering Mechanism - The syndicate registered around 119 shell companies in Chile to facilitate money laundering and disguise the origins of the funds [3] - Once the funds were transferred to Chilean bank accounts, they were frequently moved between these shell companies to obscure their source before being sent overseas [3] Group 3: Law Enforcement Actions - Over 500 agents were deployed in the operation on January 9, marking the first time such a large-scale action was taken in the affected area [4] - A total of 39 individuals were arrested during the operation, highlighting the complex and multinational nature of the crime group [6] - Santander Bank in Chile reported suspicious transactions and cooperated with authorities, filing criminal charges on July 10, 2025 [4]