International Scam Network Steals Hundreds of Millions from Australians Operating from Tel Aviv

An extensive international fraud network has stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from thousands of Australians, according to an investigative report released Thursday by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The investigation revealed that the scam was primarily operated from Tel Aviv and call centers across Europe. The network, known as the "Sapphire Network," deceived over 4,000 Australians using fake news articles and fabricated investment portfolios.

The scammers copied ABC's news website almost entirely, inserting false reports that encouraged readers to invest money in counterfeit trading platforms. Victims were directed to these fake platforms, where they saw fabricated profits displayed on their screens, although no real trades took place. The investigation tracked a relatively small payment of $350 made by one victim as a registration fee to a fraudulent trading platform. This payment was sent to an individual named Trigo XO, registered in a Melbourne suburb, who purportedly sells digital courses on business leadership. However, the company's websites were found to be non-functional.

The central figure controlling the company was identified as Israeli Shafi Goldberg. Goldberg denied any involvement with the scam network, but the investigation uncovered multiple business connections between him and the company. Additionally, other companies linked to Goldberg are allegedly involved in similar fraudulent activities. This case is part of a broader pattern of scams, including cryptocurrency delivery frauds that have caused significant financial losses to Israelis.