- Global scam center crackdown led to 276 arrests and nine alleged fraud hubs dismantled.
- DOJ charged six suspects in San Diego with fraud and money laundering-related offenses.
- Authorities said pig-butchering schemes drained millions from crypto investment victims.
A global crackdown on cryptocurrency scam centers has led to at least 276 arrests and federal charges in San Diego. The Department of Justice announced the action on April 29, describing a coordinated operation targeting “pig-butchering” fraud networks.
Authorities said at least nine scam centers were dismantled during the investigation, which focused on fraud operations that drained millions from victims’ bank accounts. The DOJ further credited cooperation among the FBI, the Dubai Police Department, and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security.
Dubai and Thai Police Make Key Arrests
According to a DOJ report, Dubai authorities arrested 275 people allegedly linked to the fraud networks. Among them were three defendants now charged in the Southern District of California. A fourth defendant was arrested separately by the Royal Thai Police.
Per the report, six people are now facing federal fraud and money laundering charges in San Diego. Four were identified as Thet Min Nyi, 27, of Myanmar, and Indonesian nationals Wiliang Awang, 23, Andreas Chandra, 29, and Lisa Mariam, 29.
Two other charged individuals, however, remain fugitives. The DOJ report further acknowledged that Dubai Police, operating under the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior, led the disruption effort. The agency arrested Thet Min Nyi, Chandra, and Mariam. Thai authorities, on the other hand, arrested Awang.
If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charges also include possible fines ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said the operation showed overseas fraud groups could still face prosecution. “Global crime now faces global justice,” he said.
Pig-Butchering Schemes Targeted Victims
Initially, the case began in 2025, when FBI agents in San Diego opened a Homeland Security Task Force investigation. Agents identified several companies and individuals allegedly managing scam compounds involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud.
Court records named three alleged company networks: Ko Thet Company, also known as Pixy; Sanduo Group; and Giant Company. Prosecutors said the defendants managed, recruited for, or worked with scam centers tied to those groups.
The schemes followed a familiar pig-butchering model. Scammers built trust through friendship or romance, then directed victims toward fake cryptocurrency investments. Victims were allegedly helped to open accounts and move cryptocurrency to fraudulent platforms.
Prosecutors said those platforms gave scammers control of the funds. The defendants also allegedly promoted fake investment returns and urged victims to send more money. Some victims were even encouraged to borrow from friends, family, or lenders.
As the investigation advanced, Thet Min Nyi and a fugitive co-defendant were indicted in March 2026 for wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracy. Awang, Chandra, Mariam, and another fugitive were later charged in April 2026 in complaints tied to Sanduo Group and Giant Company.
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