Coordinated Federal Operations Targeting International Scam Networks
The United States government has significantly expanded enforcement efforts against cryptocurrency investment fraud, transnational scam compounds, and organized cyber-enabled financial crime.
Through coordinated actions involving the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Secret Service, and other federal partners, investigators continue to identify criminal operators, disrupt fraud infrastructure, seize illicit assets, and pursue those responsible for targeting American victims.
Major Enforcement Milestones
In April 2026, the Scam Center Strike Force announced several major enforcement actions against Southeast Asian scam networks responsible for large-scale cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes targeting Americans.
Federal authorities reported:
• Criminal charges against two individuals accused of operating a cryptocurrency fraud compound in Burma.
• Seizure of a Telegram channel allegedly used to recruit individuals into scam compounds in Cambodia.
• Seizure of 503 fraudulent investment websites used to deceive victims into depositing cryptocurrency.
• Restraint of more than $701 million in cryptocurrency linked to money laundering associated with scam operations.
These actions represent one of the largest coordinated anti-scam enforcement efforts announced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Cryptocurrency Asset Restraint
According to the Department of Justice, the Scam Center Strike Force Crypto Seizure Team has restrained approximately:
$701,962,392.15
in cryptocurrency associated with scam-center money laundering operations.
Federal authorities state that these efforts are intended to preserve assets for potential forfeiture proceedings and maximize opportunities for victim recovery whenever legally possible.
Operation Level Up
Federal investigators have also expanded victim-identification efforts through Operation Level Up.
Publicly released figures indicate:
• 8,935 victims identified and contacted.
• 77% of identified victims did not realize they were actively being scammed.
• More than $562 million in additional estimated losses prevented.
The initiative focuses on proactively identifying victims before additional financial losses occur.
Infrastructure Disruption
Modern scam organizations depend on extensive online infrastructure.
Federal enforcement efforts increasingly focus on:
• Fraudulent domains
• Cryptocurrency wallets
• Messaging platforms
• Recruitment channels
• Payment systems
• Hosting services
The seizure of 503 fraudulent investment websites significantly disrupted the online infrastructure used to facilitate cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes targeting U.S. residents.
Visitors attempting to access many of the seized domains are now presented with federal seizure notices.
Scam Compound Investigations
Investigations have linked numerous cryptocurrency fraud schemes to organized scam compounds operating throughout Southeast Asia.
Federal filings describe operations involving:
• Fake investment platforms
• Romance scam operations
• Law enforcement impersonation schemes
• Customer support fraud
• Cryptocurrency laundering networks
Authorities allege that some compounds relied on human trafficking, coercion, and forced labor to sustain fraud operations.
International Cooperation
The fight against transnational fraud requires cooperation among:
• U.S. Department of Justice
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• U.S. Secret Service
• Department of State
• Treasury Department
• International law enforcement partners
• Cryptocurrency service providers
Federal officials continue to expand intelligence sharing and joint investigations aimed at disrupting criminal networks operating across borders.
Recent Results
Recent publicly announced actions include:
✓ More than $701 million in cryptocurrency restrained.
✓ 503 fraudulent investment websites seized.
✓ Telegram recruitment infrastructure disrupted.
✓ Criminal charges filed against alleged scam-compound operators.
✓ Ongoing efforts to identify victims and recover illicit proceeds.
Federal agencies continue to pursue additional investigations connected to cryptocurrency fraud and transnational organized crime.
Public Safety Advisory
The Scam Center Strike Force encourages the public to remain vigilant when approached with cryptocurrency investment opportunities, guaranteed-return schemes, or unsolicited financial advice.
Warning signs include:
⚠ Guaranteed profits
⚠ Requests for cryptocurrency deposits
⚠ Unverified trading platforms
⚠ Withdrawal restrictions
⚠ Additional fees required before withdrawals
⚠ Contact through private messaging applications
Victims are encouraged to preserve all evidence and report suspicious activity as soon as possible.
Reporting Information
If you believe you have been targeted by an online investment scam, preserve:
• Wallet Addresses
• Transaction Records
• Screenshots
• Emails
• Chat Logs
• Website URLs
• Payment Information
Timely reporting may assist investigators in identifying criminal networks and disrupting ongoing fraud activity.