- The US Strike Force is targeting fraud centers in Burma, Cambodia and Laos
- Crypto Seizure team loses over $401 million from fraudulent operations
- Chinese transnational criminal organizations involved in coordinating Southeast Asia fraud
The United States has established a “Strike Force” to tackle cryptocurrency-related fraud and scams operating from Southeast Asia.
The initiative targets fraud centers in countries including Burma, Cambodia and Laos, where organized networks have defrauded Americans out of billions of dollars over the past five years.
The Strike Force will use investigations, prosecutions, sanctions and seizures to disrupt these operations while seeking compensation for victims.
Operations and seizures are underway
The operation involves multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Secret Service and interagency partners.
“The FBI is committed to the important work of the Scam Center Strike Force,” said FBI Criminal Division Deputy Director Gregory Heeb.
“It is the FBI’s job to stop these criminals, and with the help of our partners around the globe, we will do just that.”
The Strike Force has acted against key targets in Myanmar, seizing Tai Chang websites and seeking warrants to confiscate satellite terminals linking other fraud centers.
“Criminal networks operating out of Burma are stealing billions of dollars from hardworking Americans through online fraud,” said Senior Treasury Secretary John Hurley. “The same networks are human trafficking and helping fuel Burma’s brutal civil war.”
Teams investigating Bali-based fraud networks have helped Indonesian authorities prosecute 38 people.
The Crypto Seizure team announced the forfeiture of over $401.6 million in cryptocurrency and sued for an additional $80 million in stolen funds.
These operations aim to recover assets and prevent fraudsters from exploiting US infrastructure to target citizens.
Strike Force members are embedded with local law enforcement, including the Royal Thai Police, to combat scam centers like KK Park and others.
But some coordinated ethnic groups such as the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) are linked to these crimes.
The Ministry of Finance has sanctioned DKBA and affiliated entities as specially designated nationals, blocked assets and restricted business relations with them.
DKBA is accused of securing fraudulent connections and exploiting trafficked workers, with proceeds supporting organized crime and armed groups involved in Myanmar’s civil conflict.
Chinese transnational criminal organizations have also become involved in coordinating these scams.
“DKBA soldiers have been filmed beating handcuffed fraud workers. Rescued victims have claimed they were subjected to electric shocks, hung by the arms inside dark rooms and other brutal treatment,” the finance ministry said.
“For its participation in these fraudulent operations, DKBA receives funds which it uses to support its ongoing illegal activities.”
The schemes have caused extensive financial losses, with some Americans losing their entire life savings.
“Since 2019, the US Secret Service has seen a large increase in cryptocurrency investment scams,” said Secret Service Assistant Director Kyo Dolan.
“In fiscal year 2025 alone, the US Secret Service has responded to approximately 3,000 victims who contacted us regarding cryptocurrency investment schemes.”
Not only does Strike Force demonstrate America’s commitment to dismantling these networks, but President Trump also wants the United States to be the hub of global cryptocurrency
“Fraud centers are creating a generational transfer of wealth from Main Street America 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 world’s cryptocurrency industry. So it is absolutely critical that Americans understand the safe use of this commodity.”
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