US, UAE & China Crack Down on Crypto Scam Networks: 276 Arrested, 9 Centers Shut Down

In a significant show of international cooperation, authorities have dismantled at least nine scam centers involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud, resulting in the arrest of at least 276 individuals. The operation, primarily led by the Dubai Police under the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior, involved close collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. The takedown targeted operations that allegedly used “pig butchering” scams to defraud American victims and others of millions of dollars. Pig butchering is a sophisticated fraud scheme in which scammers first build trust with victims through fake online friendships or romantic relationships before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms.

Coordinated Takedown of Scam Centers Leads to at Least 276 Arrests; Alleged Managers and Recruiters Charged in San Diego

“Fraudsters who target Americans from overseas cannot operate with impunity, no matter where in the world they reside,” said Assistant Attorney General A.… pic.twitter.com/MMa20DZRBq

— Criminal Division (@DOJCrimDiv) April 29, 2026

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the scam centers operated under names such as Ko Thet Company, Sanduo Group, and Giant Company. These centers allegedly lured victims by cultivating personal connections and then directing them toward fake investment opportunities in cryptocurrencies. Victims were often encouraged to invest more money, borrow from family and friends, or take out loans, only to lose control of their funds once transferred to the controlled platforms. The scammers then laundered the proceeds through various cryptocurrency accounts.

Key Arrests and Charges in the United States

Five individuals have been charged in the Southern District of California with federal wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The defendants include:

• Thet Min Nyi, 27, a Burmese national also known as Ko Thet or Pixy, alleged to have worked as a manager and recruiter for Ko Thet Company.
• Wiliang Awang, 23, an Indonesian national, arrested by the Royal Thai Police.
• Andreas Chandra, 29, an Indonesian national, also known as Jay.
• Lisa Mariam, 29, an Indonesian national, with multiple aliases.

Three of the charged individuals were apprehended by Dubai Police, while Wiliang Awang was taken into custody in Thailand. Two additional co-conspirators remain fugitives.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and substantial fines. The cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

Global Law Enforcement Collaboration

U.S. officials have praised the level of coordination across borders. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated that fraudsters targeting Americans from overseas can no longer operate with impunity. He emphasized that scam centers are now unwelcome worldwide and that law enforcement efforts match the borderless nature of these crimes.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California added that global crime now faces global justice, noting that the scammers believed they were safe operating far from American shores.

The FBI highlighted the role of its San Diego Field Office, which opened an investigation in 2025 after receiving multiple complaints through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Agents traced the schemes by analyzing victim complaints, financial records, and cryptocurrency transaction data. Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, provided valuable information that assisted the investigation.

Broader Context of Scam Center Operations

This operation forms part of a larger pattern of crypto scam networks, many of which have historically operated in parts of Southeast Asia. These centers often rely on organized structures involving managers, recruiters, and large numbers of workers. While the DOJ announcement focuses on those arrested in Dubai and the specific charges filed in San Diego, similar scam compounds have drawn international attention in recent years for their scale and alleged links to human trafficking in some regions.

The FBI has been running proactive efforts such as Operation Level Up, which has already notified nearly 9,000 potential victims and helped prevent estimated losses of over $562 million as of April 2026. Authorities continue to investigate other networks, including operations reportedly based in Myanmar’s Karen State.

Important Information for the Public

Cryptocurrency investment scams, particularly pig butchering schemes, remain one of the fastest-growing fraud categories targeting individuals worldwide. Victims are typically approached via social media, dating apps, or messaging platforms with seemingly genuine personal connections before being steered toward fake investment sites.

If you or someone you know has been targeted or victimized by such a scheme, the FBI recommends reporting it immediately through the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Prompt reporting helps investigators track patterns, recover funds where possible, and prevent further losses.

This coordinated action demonstrates growing international resolve to combat sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud. While the arrests mark a notable success, officials stress that continued collaboration between governments, technology companies, and financial institutions will be essential, highlighting the need for stronger crypto compliance frameworks to disrupt these networks effectively.

The defendants charged in San Diego are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.