Google has filed a lawsuit against a group accused of running a large-scale cryptocurrency scam that affected more than 100,000 users worldwide. The lawsuit is focused on the alleged distribution of fraudulent investment and crypto exchange apps through the Google Play Store.

The tech company aims to set legal precedents to protect its users by holding the defendants accountable for deceiving Google about their identity and the nature of the apps uploaded to Google Play. Google is using the RICO law and breach of contract claims in their legal action against the scammers.

The lawsuit seeks to combat fraudulent activities and protect users, especially considering the significant losses due to crypto fraud in the U.S. in 2023, totaling over $1 billion. The accused individuals engaged victims using various methods, including text messages, YouTube videos, and affiliate marketing, since at least 2019.

Apps like TionRT, posing as legitimate crypto exchanges, were used to gain users' trust by allowing initial withdrawals but ultimately preventing access to funds through misleading payment requests and balance requirements.

Despite Google's efforts to remove fraudulent apps, the scammers continued to create new ones to evade detection. Google claims damages exceeding $75,000 due to investigations and safety measures and seeks a permanent injunction against the accused to prevent further access to their services and account creations.