DOJ says an international operation involving the FBI, Dubai Police, and China’s Ministry of Public Security led to at least 276 arrests and the dismantling of at least nine crypto-related scam centers. Prosecutors allege managers and recruiters were charged in the Southern District of California, with additional arrests in other jurisdictions.

U.S. prosecutors announced a major cross-border takedown targeting cryptocurrency investment fraud infrastructure allegedly used to lure Americans. According to DOJ, the coordinated effort relied on close cooperation among the FBI, Dubai Police, and China’s Ministry of Public Security. Investigators say the operation resulted in at least 276 arrests and the dismantling of at least nine scam centers tied to alleged crypto investment fraud. DOJ described charges aimed at alleged managers and recruiters who allegedly supervised victim recruitment, scam operations, and the movement of fraud proceeds. The press release highlights that the case includes federal wire-fraud and money-laundering charges connected to U.S.-based victims, with criminal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions occurring in parallel. DOJ characterizes the operation as unprecedented in scale and cooperation, noting that the alleged scheme depended on organized recruiting and operational management rather than isolated wrongdoing. The San Diego actions reportedly include charges brought in the Southern District of California, while authorities in other locations conducted related arrests. DOJ framed the crackdown as an effort to disrupt the operational backbone of the alleged fraud network and to hold key participants accountable.