In a landmark international operation, the FBI, Dubai Police Department, and Chinese Ministry of Public Security have arrested at least 276 individuals and dismantled nine scam centers involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes targeting American citizens. The coordinated crackdown, spearheaded by Dubai Police under the UAE Ministry of Interior, underscores a global commitment to combating financial crime.
Key Arrests and Charges
Among those arrested in Dubai were three defendants charged in the Southern District of California with federal wire fraud and money laundering. The Royal Thai Police also apprehended one suspect. The indicted individuals include Thet Min Nyi (Burmese), Wiliang Awang (Indonesian), Andreas Chandra (Indonesian), and Lisa Mariam (Indonesian), along with two fugitive co-conspirators. Charges were unsealed in San Diego, detailing their roles in managing scam centers and laundering victim funds.
International Collaboration
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized that fraudsters cannot operate with impunity anywhere. The operation highlights a global consensus against scam centers. FBI Assistant Director Heith Janke praised the partnership, noting the FBI's commitment to protecting Americans. Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of FBI San Diego stated that the bureau will continue to coordinate with international partners to disrupt these schemes.
Role of Social Media
Meta Platforms, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, provided critical information for the investigation, which U.S. authorities acknowledged with gratitude.
Modus Operandi: Pig-Butchering
The scam centers used "pig-butchering" tactics, where fraudsters build trust through fake friendships or romance before persuading victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Victims lost control of their funds once transferred, with scammers laundering the money through various accounts.
Victim Impact and Investigation
FBI agents identified numerous victims across the U.S. through complaints filed with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Millions of dollars in losses have been documented. The investigation involved analyzing financial and cryptocurrency records.
Related Operations
FBI San Diego's Operation Level Up, launched in 2024, proactively notified nearly 9,000 victims and saved an estimated $562 million by April 2026. Another ongoing case involves the Tai Chang Scam Enterprise in Burma's Karen State.
Prosecution and Assistance
Prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Horn and Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and William Gullotta. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided significant support. Dubai Police and Thailand's Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau and Anti Cyber Scam Center also contributed to the arrests.
