Coinbase Collaborates with Law Enforcement to Disrupt West African Scam Networks

Coinbase has partnered with law enforcement agencies to combat transnational scam networks operating primarily in West Africa. During an operation known as Joint Disruption Week, which took place from October 6 to 9, 2026, the exchange's Global Intelligence team assisted in blocking over $415,000 in losses for more than 65 victims. The operation, led by the UK's National Crime Agency and the US Department of Justice's Scam Center Strike Force, targeted fraud rings based in Ghana and Nigeria, resulting in the removal of over 3.7 million fraudulent accounts and pages, the arrest of 28 individuals, and the rescue of 117 human trafficking victims in Ghana.

The operation was prompted by a shift in scam networks from Southeast Asia to West Africa, where they continue to employ tactics such as fake investment schemes and impersonation to defraud victims. Leah Bressack, Vice President at Coinbase, emphasized the importance of following the money and noted that previous disruptions in Southeast Asia demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated action against these networks. The collaboration included major tech companies such as Meta, Google, and Binance, showcasing a model of public-private partnership that can expedite investigations and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.

The scale of cyber-enabled investment fraud has surged, with the US Department of Justice reporting losses of approximately $8.65 billion in 2025, an increase of 89% from 2023. While the amount blocked by Coinbase may seem small in comparison, the prevention of losses is crucial, as recovering stolen cryptocurrency is often a challenging and uncertain process. This operation not only highlights the ongoing threat posed by scam networks but also serves as a template for future collaborations between regulators and private sector entities to address such issues effectively.

© 2026 KLEA News. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Source: KLEA News