Portuguese Crypto Fraudster Arrested in Bangkok Over €500M Scam Across Europe and Asia

A Portuguese national named Carlos Laposo, also identified as Pedro Mourato, was arrested in Bangkok after being recognized by a visiting Portuguese journalist at a luxury shopping mall. Laposo is accused of orchestrating a vast cryptocurrency and credit card fraud network valued at over €500 million ($586 million), involving bitcoin scams and promises of high returns that diverted funds to offshore accounts. He had been living illegally in Thailand since 2023, overstaying his tourist visa and evading arrest for nearly two years by hiding in southern Thailand. Authorities used facial recognition and biometric data to confirm his identity, leading to a five-hour manhunt and his subsequent detention. Laposo faces multiple charges, including cryptocurrency fraud, document forgery, and financial crimes, with investigations revealing his criminal activities spanned Europe and Asia. His arrest highlights increased international cooperation to combat transnational cryptocurrency-related crimes exploiting digital financial systems.