US and UK Form Alliance to Combat Crypto Scam Centers

The United States and United Kingdom have formed a joint law enforcement alliance targeting scam centers involved in cryptocurrency and cyber-enabled investment fraud. This collaboration, announced by the US Department of Justice, represents a significant step in international cooperation against organized crime in the digital realm.

On Thursday, officials from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Crown Prosecution Service of England and Wales, and the UK National Crime Agency signed a memorandum of understanding, described by the DOJ as the "first-of-its-kind" agreement aimed at disabling these scam centers. The initiative will enable the agencies to conduct parallel investigations into common targets, share intelligence on organized crime syndicates, and determine the most appropriate jurisdictions for prosecution.

The timing of this alliance is critical, as reported losses from crypto investment fraud in the US have surged dramatically. According to the DOJ, losses reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center jumped 89% from $4.57 billion in 2023 to $8.65 billion in 2025. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat such fraud.

The agreement expands the Scam Center Strike Force, which was launched by US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in November 2025. This task force aims to target Chinese organized crime networks operating scam centers, particularly those involved in crypto investment fraud, which are often linked to human trafficking and money laundering activities. The task force comprises various federal agencies, including the FBI, US Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, and collaborates with private companies to disrupt these operations and recover funds for victims.

Recent International Crackdowns on Crypto Scams

International authorities have previously coordinated raids against similar operations. For instance, on April 29, the DOJ reported a successful operation led by Dubai police, in collaboration with the FBI and China’s Ministry of Public Security, resulting in 276 arrests and the closure of at least nine crypto scam centers. Six individuals were charged for allegedly running schemes that solicited deposits from victims through fake investment platforms.

What They Hid

In response to the growing threat of digital currency fraud, governments in Southeast Asia are also implementing stricter measures. Myanmar’s military government recently proposed legislation that could impose sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison for digital currency fraud, with the death penalty as a potential consequence for those involved in coercing individuals into working at scam centers.

As the joint US-UK alliance prepares for its upcoming disruption operation in London, the focus remains on dismantling the networks that facilitate these scams and protecting potential victims from further financial harm. The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the fight against cyber-enabled fraud, raising questions about the future effectiveness of such international partnerships in addressing the evolving landscape of digital crime.