US and UK authorities have announced a formal partnership aimed at dismantling large-scale criminal networks operating investment scams through cryptocurrency and digital asset platforms.
Landmark agreement between law enforcement agencies
The Department of Justice released details of a new memorandum of understanding, under which the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the UK Crown Prosecution Service, and the UK National Crime Agency will cooperate more closely on crypto-related fraud cases. Justice Department officials described this collaboration as the first of its kind between the two countries in tackling digital investment fraud.
The agreement sets out protocols for simultaneous investigations targeting the same organized crime groups. Agencies will exchange intelligence on transnational operations and coordinate prosecution strategies based on jurisdiction.
Authorities stated that active investigations with overlapping US-UK jurisdiction have already been identified. They have scheduled a joint disruption operation involving both law enforcement and private sector partners for early October in London.
Officials from both countries have called this partnership an unprecedented step in the international fight against crypto investment scams, underscoring the need for coordinated action as fraud networks become increasingly cross-border and sophisticated.
Background and expansion of crypto scam enforcement efforts
The joint initiative builds on the Scam Center Strike Force, which was created in November 2025 by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. This specialized unit was set up to pursue criminal networks, particularly those with ties to Chinese organizations operating fraudulent compounds across Southeast Asia.
Multiple US agencies participate in the task force, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Treasury Department, State Department, and various commercial sector organizations also provide support.
Mini dictionary: Crown Prosecution Service, the principal public agency for conducting criminal prosecutions in England and Wales, working closely with police and other agencies to oversee legal proceedings.
The Justice Department also highlighted that criminal operations tied to these scams frequently involve human trafficking and money laundering, further complicating enforcement efforts.
Crypto investment fraud losses continue to surge
Data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center documented $8.65 billion in reported losses linked to cryptocurrency investment scams in 2025, up 89% compared to $4.57 billion in 2023.
| Year | Reported crypto scam losses |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.57 billion |
| 2025 | $8.65 billion |
Officials cautioned that actual damages are probably higher, since many victims do not file formal complaints.
Recent multinational law enforcement operations targeted similar fraud networks. In April, Dubai police, the FBI, and China’s Ministry of Public Security coordinated efforts that resulted in 276 arrests and the dismantling of at least nine crypto scam centers. Six individuals are facing charges for operating fake investment websites to steal deposits from unsuspecting victims.
International regulatory crackdowns intensify
Southeast Asian governments have started tightening regulations to fight crypto fraud. Myanmar introduced laws in May that impose prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life for crypto-related financial crimes, with capital punishment possible if worker fatalities occur. On July 28, Myanmar’s legislative body passed the measure, but final presidential approval was still pending.
The expanded US-UK cooperation marks a significant development as cross-border regulators adapt strategies to contain the growing threat of global cryptocurrency scams.
