Global Crypto Fraud Crackdown Leads to 276 Arrests and Nine Scam Centers Shut Down in Major FBI, Dubai Police, and China Operation
International law enforcement targets pig-butchering crypto scams, exposing fraud networks and protecting victims worldwide from losses
Unprecedented cooperation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dubai Police Force, and China’s Ministry of Public Security of China led to the arrest of at least 276 individuals and the dismantling of nine scam centers tied to cryptocurrency investment fraud targeting U.S. victims.
The international operation was led by Dubai Police under the Ministry of Interior (United Arab Emirates). Among those arrested in Dubai were three defendants charged in the Southern District of California with federal wire fraud and money laundering offenses. Another suspect was arrested by the Royal Thai Police.
Authorities identified the suspects as Thet Min Nyi, Wiliang Awang, Andreas Chandra, and Lisa Mariam, alongside two fugitives. Dubai Police detained Thet Min Nyi, Chandra, and Mariam, while Thai authorities arrested Awang.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the suspects operated scam compounds under three organizations: Ko Thet Company, Sanduo Group, and Giant Company. Prosecutors allege these entities ran cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes commonly known as “pig-butchering.”
Pig-butchering scams involve building trust with victims over time, often through fake friendships or romantic relationships, before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. Victims are shown fabricated profits and pressured to increase their investments, sometimes by borrowing funds or taking loans.
Investigators say the defendants specifically targeted U.S. citizens and individuals in other countries. Victims were guided to create cryptocurrency accounts and transfer digital assets into fake investment platforms. Once the transfers were completed, victims lost control of their funds, which were then moved across multiple crypto wallets and laundered.
The FBI began investigating in 2025 through its Homeland Security Task Force after tracing companies and individuals operating scam compounds connected to international fraud networks. Agents analyzed blockchain transactions, financial records, and complaints submitted to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Federal investigators have identified numerous victims across the United States, with total losses reaching millions of dollars. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to track related operations.
Thet Min Nyi, also known as “Pixy,” allegedly served as a recruiter and manager for Ko Thet Company. In March 2026, a federal grand jury in California indicted him and a co-conspirator on charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, along with forfeiture allegations.
In April 2026, separate criminal complaints were filed against Awang, Chandra, Mariam, and another fugitive tied to Sanduo Group and Giant Company. These cases also involve allegations of wire fraud conspiracy linked to cryptocurrency fraud operations.
Dubai Police stated that its parallel investigation significantly disrupted the scam infrastructure and reaffirmed its cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to dismantle transnational financial crime networks.
Thailand’s Royal Thai Police, including its Immigration Bureau and Anti Cyber Scam Center, also played a major role in the operation, leading to the arrest of Awang.
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, provided investigative support by supplying critical data to U.S. authorities.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Southern District of California and the DOJ’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, with assistance from the Office of International Affairs.
Separately, the FBI’s Operation Level Up has notified nearly 9,000 victims since 2024 and helped prevent an estimated $562 million in losses as of April 2026.
Authorities say investigations into crypto scam enterprises remain active, including the Tai Chang Scam Enterprise based in Burma’s Karen State, highlighting the growing global effort to combat organized cryptocurrency fraud.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/coordinated-takedow