Norwegian authorities have charged four men involved in a significant crypto investment scheme, claiming they defrauded thousands of investors worldwide out of approximately $80 million. The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) revealed that the alleged fraudsters laundered around $62 million through a local law firm's accounts. Prosecutor Joakim Ziesler Berge indicated that this extensive fraud impacted numerous victims across multiple countries. Økokrim stated that the scammers promised high returns from investments in sectors like gas, mining, and real estate but made no significant investments beyond the initial deposits. Furthermore, the operation drew in new investors through referrals from existing ones. The accused, all Norwegian men aged between 50 and 70, operated the scam from March 2015 to November 2018. The case is scheduled for trial in Oslo District Court in September and is expected to last about 60 days. The defendants face serious charges but contend they deny all criminal allegations.

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