The United States and United Kingdom have established a joint law enforcement partnership to address the escalating threat of scam centers engaged in crypto and cyber-enabled investment fraud.
A landmark agreement for cross-border enforcement
On Thursday, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Crown Prosecution Service for England and Wales, and the UK National Crime Agency have formalized a memorandum of understanding. The DOJ described this as an unprecedented international agreement focused on dismantling scam centers targeting investors.
The collaboration seeks to facilitate parallel investigations targeting the same individuals and criminal groups. Authorities plan to share intelligence on organized crime networks and coordinate on deciding which country should prosecute particular offenders. The DOJ indicated that these agencies have already identified overlapping investigations and have scheduled an in-person disruption operation in London for early October with support from private-sector partners.
Parallel probes and intelligence sharing under the new US-UK alliance will reportedly target major scam centers and coordinated cyber-fraud operations, with both countries aiming to disrupt criminal organizations and track financial flows.
Reported losses from crypto investment fraud in the United States continue to mount. According to the DOJ, complaints filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center showed reported losses surged 89% from $4.57 billion in 2023 to $8.65 billion in 2025.
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AAPL| Year | Reported Crypto Fraud Losses (US) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.57 billion |
| 2025 | $8.65 billion |
Global action against scam compounds
The agreement broadens the reach of the Scam Center Strike Force, which was launched by US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in November 2025. The task force was founded to dismantle Chinese organized crime networks linked to scam centers in Southeast Asia. The DOJ stated that these networks are associated with crypto investment schemes and also tied to human trafficking and money laundering operations.
Comprising agencies such as the FBI, US Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations, the task force also collaborates with the Justice Department and external partners, including the US Treasury and State Departments and private sector stakeholders, to pursue and dismantle fraudulent operations.
On April 29, the DOJ highlighted a major international action: a police operation led by Dubai with assistance from the FBI and China’s Ministry of Public Security. This effort resulted in 276 arrests and the shutdown of at least nine scam centers. Six individuals now face charges connected to fraudulent crypto investment platforms that solicited deposits from unsuspecting victims.
Southeast Asian governments have responded with stricter domestic laws. On May 15, authorities in Myanmar published draft legislation threatening penalties ranging from 10 years’ imprisonment to life for those convicted of digital currency fraud. The death penalty could be applied if people forced into scam center labor lost their lives.
On July 28, Myanmar’s parliament approved the bill though it awaited presidential endorsement for enactment.
Mini dictionary: Crown Prosecution Service – The principal public agency responsible for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales. It works closely with law enforcement agencies and is distinct from the police, focusing on reviewing evidence and pursuing legal proceedings in court.
