International Joint Action Targets West African Fraud Networks
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AI-assisted source synthesis · not an independent investigation.
On October 14, 2026, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) announced progress in the “Joint Disruption Week” operation, stating that 15 international law enforcement agencies and 15 technology companies participated, 30 suspected fraudsters were arrested, and 3.7 million online accounts and profiles were removed. Meta, Microsoft, and Coinbase took measures including banning accounts and identifying victims. Coinbase identified more than 65 active victims and prevented potential losses exceeding $415,000. Earlier reports said the operation was led by the NCA and resulted in 30 arrests; later reports said the operation was led by the United States, with 28 people arrested in Ghana and Nigeria, more than 3.7 million accounts, pages, and groups removed, and approximately $11 million in cryptocurrency potentially frozen but not yet confirmed as seized. Ghana also identified 117 victims who had been forced to engage in fraud. On October 18, CoinDesk reported that Binance and Coinbase participated in the sweep, and private-sector partners flagged $11 million in funds that could potentially be frozen; officials reported cryptocurrency seizures but did not disclose the value.
AI-written from reports · updated 14 hours ago
Timeline
Follow the reporting to see the different sides of the story.
- CoinDeskCryptocurrency exchanges Binance and Coinbase participate in West African fraud sweep, flagging $11 million in funds
Binance and Coinbase participated in a West African fraud sweep, with private-sector partners flagging $11 million in funds that could be frozen. Officials also reported cryptocurrency seizures but did not disclose their value.
- CryptopolitanUS-led West Africa anti-fraud operation arrests 28 people and removes more than 3.7 million scam-related accounts
The US-led “Joint Disruption Week” arrested 28 people in Ghana and Nigeria and removed more than 3.7 million accounts, Pages and Groups. Law enforcement agencies said about $11 million in cryptocurrency may have been frozen, but it has not yet been confirmed that the assets were seized; Ghana also identified 117 victims who had been forced to engage in scams. Coinbase said it identified more than 65 active victims and prevented losses of more than $415,000.
- PYMNTSTech giants and police worldwide join forces to dismantle West African scam network
The UK National Crime Agency (NCA)-led “Joint Disruption Week” operation arrested 30 suspected fraudsters and removed 3.7 million online accounts and profiles. The operation involved 15 international law enforcement agencies and 15 technology companies, with Meta, Microsoft and Coinbase taking measures including banning accounts and identifying victims. Coinbase identified more than 65 active scam victims and prevented over $415,000 in potential losses.
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