The eXch crypto seizure in Germany highlights one of the country’s largest confiscations of digital assets to date. German authorities seized €34 million worth of crypto from the unregulated exchange eXch during a joint operation in Frankfurt, targeting money laundering and darknet activity.
BKA executes third-largest crypto asset confiscation
The raid, led by ZIT and the BKA with support from the Netherlands’ FIOD, resulted in the confiscation of over 8 terabytes of server data and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dash. This marks the third-largest crypto asset seizure in BKA history.
eXch linked to darknet and AML violations
eXch, founded in 2014, enabled anonymous swaps of digital assets and was promoted across darknet platforms for its lack of AML and KYC compliance. Users were not required to verify their identities, making the platform a haven for concealing financial flows.
According to the public prosecutor’s press release, the exchange’s non-compliance made it a prime channel for illicit transactions. The investigation also hinted at a possible link between eXch and the Bybit hack, which accelerated law enforcement interest.
Platform shut down as investigation unfolds
On May 1, eXch abruptly announced its shutdown amid speculation and rising pressure. German investigators acted swiftly to secure evidence. Authorities believe data recovered in this case could support broader cybercrime investigations across Europe.
The eXch crypto seizure in Germany reflects increased enforcement efforts against unregulated exchanges and reinforces the urgency of AML standards in crypto markets.
