Coinbase joins international law enforcement agencies to crack down on West African scam network

On October 13 that, according to Coinbase’s official blog, the Coinbase Global Intelligence Team participated from October 6 to 9 in a joint crackdown operation hosted by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and the US Department of Justice Fraud Task Force, teaming up with the Tech Against Scams alliance and law enforcement agencies from multiple countries to coordinate strikes against criminal fraud networks in West Africa.

During the operation, Coinbase tracked the flow of illicit funds, froze fraud-linked assets, and shared intelligence with law enforcement agencies in real time. Previous joint actions targeting Southeast Asian fraud syndicates have proven the effectiveness of cross-industry collaboration models; as criminal networks expand into West Africa, this operation aims to prevent them from establishing new bases.

The fraudulent methods involved in the cases include fake cryptocurrency investment scams, impersonation of law enforcement officers, and faked video arrests designed to trick victims into transferring funds. Coinbase stated that it will continue to cooperate with the alliance and law enforcement agencies to maintain sustained pressure on these criminal networks.