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Global disruption of pig-butchering cryptocurrency scam networks with 276 arrests

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A coordinated international law enforcement operation dismantled nine cryptocurrency investment fraud centers across Dubai and Southeast Asia, arresting 276 suspects linked to pig-butchering (romance baiting) schemes that defrauded victims through fake investment platforms. Scammers cultivated trust with targets via fabricated relationships before redirecting victims to counterfeit cryptocurrency investment portals where deposited funds were immediately siphoned and laundered through layered crypto accounts. Victims were coerced into borrowing money and taking loans to increase investments, exacerbating financial losses. The operation targeted operations including Ko Thet Company, Sanduo Group, and Giant Company, with fugitives still at large.

Timeline

  1. 30.04.2026 14:21 1 articles · 1h ago

    International law enforcement dismantles pig-butchering crypto scam networks with 276 arrests

    Dubai Police, in coordination with U.S. and Chinese authorities, dismantled nine cryptocurrency investment fraud centers linked to pig-butchering schemes. 276 suspects were arrested across Dubai and Thailand, including key figures tied to Ko Thet Company, Sanduo Group, and Giant Company. Victims in the U.S. reported millions in losses, with funds laundered through layered crypto accounts. Two fugitives remain at large as law enforcement expands cross-border disruption efforts.

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Information Snippets

  • Operations were led by Dubai Police under the UAE Ministry of Interior in collaboration with U.S. and Chinese authorities.

    First reported: 30.04.2026 14:21
    1 source, 1 article
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  • A total of 276 suspects were arrested, including 275 in Dubai and one in Thailand.

    First reported: 30.04.2026 14:21
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Thet Min Nyi (Burmese), Wiliang Awang (Indonesian), Andreas Chandra (Indonesian), and Lisa Mariam (Indonesian) face U.S. wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracy charges tied to specific scam rings.

    First reported: 30.04.2026 14:21
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Two additional co-conspirators remain fugitives following the operation.

    First reported: 30.04.2026 14:21
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Victims primarily in the United States reported losses in the millions of dollars, with complaints filed to the FBI’s IC3.

    First reported: 30.04.2026 14:21
    1 source, 1 article
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  • Investment fraud accounted for 49% of scam-related incidents in the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report, with $8.6 billion in losses reported.

    First reported: 30.04.2026 14:21
    1 source, 1 article
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  • The U.S. established the Scam Center Strike Force in November 2025 to disrupt crypto scam networks, following the seizure of $15 billion from Prince Group leadership.

    First reported: 30.04.2026 14:21
    1 source, 1 article
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