- US Strike Force targets scam hubs in Burma, Cambodia and Laos
- Crypto Seizure Team Loses Over $401 Million in Fraudulent Transactions
- Chinese transnational criminal organizations involved in coordinating scams in Southeast Asia
The United States has created a “Strike Force” to combat cryptocurrency fraud and scams in Southeast Asia.
The initiative targets scam hubs in countries like Burma, Cambodia and Laos, where organized rings have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars over the past five years.
The Strike Force will use investigations, criminal prosecutions, sanctions and seizures to disrupt these operations while seeking redress for victims.
Operations and seizures are underway
The operation involves multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service and interagency partners.
“The FBI is committed to the important work of the Scam Center Strike Force,” said Gregory Heeb, deputy director of the FBI’s Criminal Division.
“It’s the FBI’s job to stop these criminals, and with the help of our partners around the world, that’s exactly what we will do.”
The Strike Force acted against key targets in Myanmar, seizing Tai Chang websites and seeking warrants to confiscate satellite terminals linking other fraud hubs.
“Criminal networks operating out of Burma are stealing billions of dollars from American workers 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 fraud networks based in Bali helped Indonesian authorities prosecute 38 people.
The Crypto Seizure team announced the confiscation of over $401.6 million in cryptocurrency and initiated proceedings for an additional $80 million in stolen funds.
These operations aim to recover assets and prevent fraudsters from exploiting U.S. infrastructure to target citizens.
Strike Force members are integrated with local law enforcement, including the Royal Thai Police, to combat scam hubs like KK Park and others.
However, some coordinated ethnic groups like the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) are associated with these crimes.
The Treasury Department sanctioned DKBA and associated entities as Specially Designated Nationals, blocking assets and limiting business dealings with them.
The DKBA is accused of securing fraudulent resorts and exploiting trafficked workers, with its revenue 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 were filmed beating handcuffed fraudsters. Rescued victims claimed they were subjected to electric shocks, hung by their arms in dark rooms and other brutal treatment,” the Treasury Department said.
“For its participation in these fraudulent operations, the DKBA receives funds which it uses to support its ongoing illicit activities.”
These schemes have caused considerable financial losses, with some Americans losing their entire savings.
“Since 2019, the U.S. Secret Service has seen a significant increase in cryptocurrency investment scams,” said Kyo Dolan, Deputy Director of the Secret Service.
“In fiscal year 2025 alone, the U.S. Secret Service responded to approximately 3,000 victims who contacted us regarding cryptocurrency investment plans.”
The Strike Force not only demonstrates the United States’ commitment to dismantling these networks, but President Trump also wants the United States to become the global cryptocurrency hub.
“The scam hubs are creating a generational transfer of wealth from America’s Main Street to the pockets of Chinese organized crime,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro.
“President Trump wants the United States to be the global center of the global cryptocurrency industry, so it is absolutely crucial that Americans understand the safe use of this product.”
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