U.S. Scam Center Strike Force Cracks Down on Crypto Fraud Targeting Americans

ByWesley Munene
U.S. Scam Center Strike Force Cracks Down on Crypto Fraud Targeting Americans
  • The DOJ charged two Chinese nationals and targeted scam operations in Burma and Cambodia.
  • The Strike Force seized a Telegram channel and 503 fake investment websites tied to fraud schemes.
  • Investigators restrained more than $700 million in cryptocurrency tied to scams targeting Americans.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced coordinated action against Southeast Asian scam networks that targeted Americans through crypto investment fraud. The Scam Center Strike Force charged two Chinese nationals, seized a Telegram channel, took down 503 fake investment websites, and restrained more than $700 million in cryptocurrency. Treasury also sanctioned Cambodian operators, while the State Department offered rewards tied to the Tai Chang scam center in Burma.

Charges, Seizures, and Fraud Operations

Prosecutors charged Huang Xingshan and Jiang Wen Jie over fraud operations at the Shunda compound in Min Let Pan, Burma. Investigators said both men managed workers who targeted Americans through fake crypto investment platforms. Authorities said trafficked workers operated inside the compound under threats of violence and torture. 

One worker under Jiang’s supervision stole more than $3 million from one American victim. After Shunda fell, investigators said both suspects moved to Cambodia and tried to restart the fraud operation. Thai authorities later arrested Huang and Jiang on immigration charges while they traveled through Thailand. The FBI said agents reviewed thousands of phones, over 1,300 computers, and interviews from former workers. 

That evidence helped map the compound’s management structure and support the wire fraud conspiracy case. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said, “We have charged the Chinese bosses who ran a scam compound in Burma.” She also said the office had taken down more than 500 websites used to steal savings.

Telegram, Domains, and Asset Restraints

The Strike Force also seized a Telegram channel with more than 6,000 followers tied to a Cambodia scam compound. Investigators said recruiters used the channel to lure workers with false job offers and force them into fraud. Workers then posed as bank staff, NYPD detectives, and court officials during calls and online chats. 

Victims later shared bank details and sent savings after repeated pressure through WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams. Law enforcement said JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and Meta took voluntary internal steps after receiving alerts. The group also seized 503 web domains linked to fake investment platforms identified through Operation Level Up. 

The FBI and Secret Service said the program had notified 8,935 victims by March 2026. They said 77% of those victims did not know scammers had targeted them before contact. Authorities estimated the effort saved victims about $562.7 million in further losses. The Strike Force also restrained more than $701.9 million in cryptocurrency.

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Disclaimer: This article is only for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are volatile, and readers should conduct their own research before making financial decisions.

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