Wu Shuo Huode, the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, reported that 25 defendants have been convicted for participating in an international "Business Email Compromise" (BEC) and money laundering scheme. The group gained access to business communication information through email intrusion and sent forged payment instructions to defraud funds. Over 1,000 victims across 47 states in the United States and 19 countries were affected, with involved amounts totaling approximately $215 million; the proceeds were laundered through fake bank accounts, cash transfer systems, and cryptocurrencies, among other channels. About $50 million was processed through checks and money services businesses, and some assets, including cash, digital assets, and high-value items, have been seized or confiscated.