The Department of Justice announced on Apr. 23 a series of coordinated actions through the Scam Center Strike Force aimed at disrupting Southeast Asian criminal organizations that have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars. The efforts include criminal charges, domain seizures, and sanctions related to cryptocurrency investment fraud schemes operating out of Burma and Cambodia.
These measures address the growing threat posed by transnational scam operations that use cyber-enabled fraud and human trafficking to target American victims. The Strike Force's recent actions reflect an ongoing campaign to disrupt these networks and recover stolen funds.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said, “The President’s Executive Order Combating Cybercrime, Fraud, and Predatory Schemes Against American Citizens establishes a clear, whole-of-government strategy to confront cyber-enabled crime and transnational scam operations – bringing together law enforcement, intelligence, diplomatic, and financial tools in a unified effort.” Pirro also stated that the Strike Force has delivered "real operational results" since its launch in November 2025: “We have charged the Chinese bosses who ran a scam compound in Burma... We have seized a Telegram channel that was luring workers into a forced labor compound in Cambodia... We have taken down more than 500 websites used to steal people’s savings.”
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said the Criminal Division is committed to working with partners "to ensure that these criminals cannot operate with impunity." Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent added, “Treasury will continue to target fraudsters and scam centers that steal billions of dollars from hardworking Americans.” FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia said these joint actions represent "a significant blow to transnational criminal organizations preying upon our American citizens." Assistant Director Brent Daniels from U.S. Secret Service highlighted ongoing collaboration among agencies.
The Strike Force has filed charges against two Chinese nationals linked to fraudulent activities at the Shunda compound in Burma where trafficked workers were forced under threat of violence to defraud victims. Following its seizure by local authorities in late 2025, U.S. investigators reviewed evidence supporting charges for wire fraud conspiracy.
Additional efforts included seizing over 503 fake investment websites used for laundering victim funds as part of Operation Level Up—a proactive initiative notifying nearly nine thousand victims about cryptocurrency scams since January 2024—and restraining more than $700 million worth of cryptocurrency allegedly tied to money laundering from scams.
The Department of State announced rewards for information leading to recovery related to Tai Chang scam centers in Burma; meanwhile, new sanctions were imposed by Treasury against Cambodian individuals involved in similar fraudulent schemes using forced labor.
According to FBI data cited within the release, reported losses from cryptocurrency investment scams rose sharply each year—from $3.96 billion in 2023 up past $7 billion by 2025—while global losses may approach $64 billion annually based on estimates from United States Institute of Peace public reporting documenting violence within such compounds.
Pirro concluded: “This Administration is lock-step in combatting these scams, and we are not done.” The Strike Force continues its mission alongside federal partners and private industry with an emphasis on educating Americans about recognizing such schemes while working toward returning stolen assets.
