US and UK Launch Joint Alliance Against Crypto Scam Centers
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By Ezra Reguerra (staff writer) Reviewed by Yohan Yun (staff editor)
US and UK to Disrupt Crypto Scam Centers
The United States and United Kingdom have formed a joint law enforcement alliance targeting scam centers involved in crypto and cyber-enabled investment fraud.
Announced by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, this agreement between:
- US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia
- Crown Prosecution Service of England and Wales
- UK National Crime Agency
represents "first-of-its-kind" international cooperation aimed at disabling these centers.
Key Elements of the Alliance:
- Parallel Investigations: Agencies will conduct concurrent investigations into shared targets.
- Information Sharing: They will exchange information on organized crime syndicates and discuss prosecution strategies.
- Disruption Operation: A joint disruption operation with private-sector partners is planned for early October in London.
Background:
This agreement comes on the heels of rising US losses from crypto investment fraud, reaching $8.65 billion in 2025, up 89% from 2023, according to the DOJ.
The Scam Center Strike Force, launched by US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in November 2025, has already targeted Chinese organized crime networks operating scam centers primarily in Southeast Asia, linked to human trafficking and money laundering.
International Cooperation:
International authorities have previously coordinated raids against similar operations, including a Dubai police-led operation in April 2026 resulting in 276 arrests and the closure of at least nine crypto scam centers.
Regional Efforts:
Governments in Southeast Asia have also taken measures, with Myanmar’s military government proposing sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison for digital currency fraud in May 2026.
Cointelegraph’s Take:
This joint alliance represents a significant step forward in the fight against crypto scams. Increased international cooperation is crucial for effectively targeting and dismantling these criminal networks.