An unprecedented international law-enforcement sweep has disrupted at least nine crypto “pig-butchering” scam centers that bilked Americans out of millions — part of a wider effort to tackle a fraud wave that cost U.S. victims billions last year.
What happened
- The U.S. Department of Justice announced a coordinated operation involving the FBI, Dubai Police (UAE Ministry of Interior), and China’s Ministry of Public Security that led to raids and arrests tied to multiple transnational crypto fraud centers targeting Americans.
- Dubai Police arrested 275 people during the operation; the Royal Thai Police arrested one more, bringing the total to 276 detainees. Among those arrested were three individuals who now face federal charges in the Southern District of California.
- Prosecutors have charged at least six named suspects — Thet Min Nyi, Wiliang Awang, Andreas Chandra, Lisa Mariam and two fugitive co-conspirators — with wire fraud and money laundering; if convicted they could face up to 20 years in prison. Separate indictments in the Southern District of California allege involvement with two alleged scam groups, Sanduo Group and Giant Company.
Why this matters
- The sweep comes as U.S. authorities reported escalating crypto fraud: the FBI said American victims lost $11.4 billion to crypto-related scams in 2025, a 22% increase from 2024. Phishing, extortion, and investment schemes were the most common complaints, with older Americans alone suffering about $7.7 billion in losses.
- The DOJ framed the operation as a signal that cross-border fraud will be met with cross-border enforcement. “Global crime now faces global justice,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva added that scam centers “are unwelcome everywhere and must be rooted out.”
How the scams worked
- The charges and court records say the defendants ran classic “pig-butchering” crypto investment schemes: operators cultivate trust and often affection with victims, then promote fake crypto investments, help victims open accounts, and steer transfers to sham investment platforms. Scammers then pressure victims to add funds — sometimes by borrowing or taking loans — by falsely claiming large returns.
- The FBI’s San Diego office opened the probe in 2025 after identifying multiple companies and individuals running these centers. Investigators tied six defendants to management, staffing, and recruitment across three firms operating several alleged scam hubs.
International cooperation and partners
- Dubai Police led the parallel investigation that helped dismantle operations, with assistance from China’s Ministry of Public Security, the Royal Thai Police (Immigration Bureau, Foreign Affairs, and Anti-Cyber Scam Center), and tech partner Meta, officials said.
- U.S. investigators identified victims and traced millions in losses using Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) filings and blockchain records.
Bottom line
The raids mark a growing trend: law enforcement agencies are increasingly pooling international resources to go after crypto fraud rings that operate across borders. For crypto users, the case is a reminder to treat unsolicited investment offers with extreme caution and to report suspected fraud to authorities promptly.
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