- US Strike Force Strikes Scam Centers in Burma, Cambodia and Laos
- Crypto Seizure team loses more than $401 million due to fraudulent operations
- Chinese transnational criminal organizations involved in coordinating scams in Southeast Asia
The United States has created a “Strike Force” to address cryptocurrency-related fraud and scams operating in Southeast Asia.
The initiative targets scam hubs in countries such as Burma, Cambodia and Laos, where organized networks have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars over the past five years.
The Strike Force will employ investigations, criminal prosecutions, sanctions and seizures to disrupt these operations while seeking restitution for victims.
Operations and seizures are underway
The operation involves multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service and interagency partners.
“The FBI is committed to the important work of the Scam Center Strike Force,” said FBI Criminal Division Deputy Assistant Director Gregory Heeb.
“The FBI’s job is to stop these criminals, and with the help of our partners around the world, we will do just that.”
The Strike Force has moved against key targets in Myanmar, seizing Tai Chang websites and seeking court orders to seize satellite terminals connecting other scam hubs.
“Criminal networks operating out of Myanmar are stealing billions of dollars from hard-working Americans through online scams,” said John Hurley, a senior Treasury Department official. “These same networks traffic in human beings and help fuel Burma’s brutal civil war.”
Teams investigating scam rings based in Bali have helped Indonesian authorities prosecute 38 people.
The Crypto Seizure team announced the seizure of more than $401.6 million in cryptocurrency and filed a lawsuit for another $80 million in stolen funds.
These operations are aimed at recovering assets and preventing fraudsters from taking advantage of American infrastructure to attack citizens.
Strike Force members are integrated with local authorities, including the Royal Thai Police, to combat scam centers such as KK Park and others.
However, some coordinated ethnic groups such as the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) are associated with these crimes.
The Treasury Department has sanctioned DKBA and associated entities as Specially Designated Nationals, blocking assets and restricting business transactions with them.
The DKBA is accused of obtaining fraudulent complexes and exploiting trafficked workers, with proceeds supporting organized crime and armed groups involved in Myanmar’s civil conflict.
Chinese transnational criminal organizations have also been involved in coordinating these scams.
“DKBA soldiers have been filmed beating handcuffed scammers. Rescued victims have claimed they were subjected to electric shocks, hanging by their arms inside dark rooms and other brutal treatment,” the Treasury Department said.
“Through its participation in these fraudulent operations, DKBA receives funding which it uses to support its ongoing illicit activities.”
The plans have caused widespread financial losses, and some Americans have lost their life savings.
“Since 2019, the US Secret Service has experienced a significant increase in cryptocurrency investment scams,” said Secret Service Deputy Director Kyo Dolan.
“In fiscal year 2025 alone, the U.S. Secret Service responded to approximately 3,000 victims who contacted us regarding cryptocurrency investment schemes.”
The Strike Force not only demonstrates the United States’ commitment to dismantling these networks, but President Trump also wants to make the United States the center of global cryptocurrencies.
“Scam hubs are creating a generational transfer of wealth from Main Street America into the pockets of Chinese organized crime,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro.
“President Trump wants the United States to be the global center of the cryptocurrency industry. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial that Americans understand the safe use of this product.”
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