US DoJ Disrupts Southeast Asia Crypto Fraud Networks, Freezes $3.8 Million in Assets

The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched an operation to disrupt and dismantle transnational cybercrime networks operating in Southeast Asia. The 'Disruption Week' operation, which began on May 18, 2026, aimed to combat cyber-enabled and cryptocurrency fraud targeting Americans.

Participating companies and authorities have reported significant successes, including the disruption of over 1.4 million social media accounts, pages and groups across Facebook and Instagram. They also identified multiple scammers and scam platforms, leading to referrals for investigation and possible prosecution.

The operation was part of an ongoing initiative called Scam Center Strike Force, which targets transnational criminal organizations running cyber-enabled fraud schemes and related human trafficking and money laundering operations.