The U.S. Department of Justice’s newly formed Scam Center Strike Force reported that freezes and seizures of cryptocurrency have topped roughly $580 million tied to transnational criminal organisations operating scam compounds in Southeast Asia. Officials described the actions as a central disruption tactic against romance, investment and ‘pig‑butchering’ schemes and signalled continuing forfeiture and victim recovery work.

The DOJ’s Scam Center Strike Force — a coordinated effort involving prosecutors, the FBI, Secret Service and other partners — reported that freezing and seizure actions have reached about $580 million in cryptocurrency alleged to be proceeds of fraud run by transnational organisations operating scam compounds in Southeast Asia. Officials framed these measures as critical disruption tools against romance and investment‑style “pig‑butchering” scams that siphon victim funds through crypto corridors and mixing services. The Strike Force highlighted advanced blockchain tracing, legal process to obtain restraints and seizures, and cooperation with exchanges and financial institutions to convert and secure assets for potential forfeiture and victim restitution. The announcement stressed a sustained prosecutorial focus on dismantling the financial infrastructure that enables scammers to move large crypto volumes across borders, and noted ongoing litigation and asset‑recovery operations. The DOJ also indicated continued coordination with international law enforcement to pursue both operators and facilitators who enable crypto‑based laundering and cash‑out systems used by organized fraud rings.