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FBI arrests 276 in global operation targeting 'scam compounds' stealing millions
An international crackdown led by the FBI, Dubai Police, and China’s public security ministry resulted in at least 276 arrests and the dismantling of nine scam centers tied to cryptocurrency investment fraud. The operation involved arrests in the UAE and Thailand, with several defendants charged in U.S. federal court.
Why It Matters
The coordinated cross-border crackdown demonstrates international law enforcement collaboration to disrupt cryptocurrency fraud networks that targeted Americans and others.
Timeline
6 Events
Global operation arrests 276; nine scam centers dismantled
May 2, 2026
The crackdown, led by Dubai Police under the UAE Ministry of Interior, arrested at least 276 individuals and dismantled at least nine scam centers. Three defendants arrested in Dubai were charged in the Southern District of California; an additional person was arrested by the Royal Thai Police. The operation involved cooperation among the FBI, Dubai Police, and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, and targeted Americans defrauded by cryptocurrency investment schemes.
April 2026 charges in SDCA against Awang, Chandra, and Mariam
April 2026
In April 2026, two criminal complaints in the Southern District of California charged Wiliang Awang, Andreas Chandra, Lisa Mariam, and a fugitive co-conspirator with wire fraud conspiracy; charges were based on cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes from Sanduo Group and Giant Company.
As of April 2026: victims notified and losses identified
April 2026
As of April 2026, the FBI notified almost 9,000 victims and saved victims an estimated $562 million in relation to cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes.
March 2026 indictment in SDCA
March 2026
In March 2026, a grand jury in the Southern District of California returned an indictment against Thet Min Nyi and a fugitive co-defendant charging them with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, plus criminal forfeiture.
FBI San Diego establishes Homeland Security Task Force
2025
In 2025, FBI San Diego agents opened a Homeland Security Task Force investigation after identifying multiple companies and individuals managing scam compounds conducting cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes.
Operation Level Up begins
2024
Operation Level Up, a San Diego and Phoenix joint initiative, began in 2024 to proactively identify and notify victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes.