The FBI has launched an unprecedented global offensive against industrial-scale scam centers that target American citizens, according to statements from FBI Director Kash Patel. These operations have led to hundreds of arrests, the seizure of billions of dollars in assets, and the disruption of criminal networks operating across Southeast Asia. Patel described the effort as a «no-fail mission» that treats scam centers as a top priority threat to public safety and national security.
In one of the largest actions, Operation Sand Dollar, conducted in April in coordination with Dubai Police and China’s Ministry of Public Security, resulted in the shutdown of nine scam centers run by Asian organized crime groups. The operation led to 311 arrests and the confiscation of thousands of devices used to target Americans in the United Arab Emirates. Each of those compounds was generating roughly $6 million in annual losses for victims, according to the FBI, meaning the operation prevented an estimated $54 million in potential theft.
Another significant action targeted the Prince Holding Group in Cambodia. Operation Zephyr Exodus resulted in the indictment of the group’s CEO on charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The FBI also secured the forfeiture of approximately 127,000 Bitcoin, valued at roughly $15 billion at the time of seizure. Officials described it as the largest forfeiture in U.S. history, effectively dismantling the financial infrastructure of a syndicate that used its illicit profits to target everyday Americans.
Beyond direct takedowns, the FBI has implemented preventative measures through Operation Level Up, a proactive initiative supported by the U.S. Secret Service and other partners. The program identifies potential scam victims in real time and intervenes before losses occur. So far, the FBI has contacted nearly 9,000 individuals, approximately three-quarters of whom were unaware they were being defrauded. Authorities estimate that the effort has prevented $562 million in losses and referred dozens of people for crisis intervention.
The FBI has also worked with Thai authorities to close the Shunda compound, a facility linked to hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. The compound used a Telegram channel with over 6,000 followers to recruit forced labor into a scheme impersonating Cambodian law enforcement. The FBI seized the channel and related assets. In Burma, the FBI targeted the Tai Chang scam compound, operated by Chinese criminals, seizing domains and $30 million tied to the operation.
Last week, the FBI hosted its first Scam Center Summit in Thailand, bringing together representatives from 18 countries and hundreds of law enforcement agencies. The summit aimed to coordinate international efforts to ensure these criminal enterprises cannot reestablish footholds in the region. Patel noted that the FBI has opened more than 30 cases, pursued or helped restrain assets valued at over $15 billion, and driven hundreds of arrests. Additionally, more than 7,500 internet terminals used to power scam devices have been suspended through public-private partnerships.
The FBI said it will continue to target leadership at every level of these syndicates and plans to physically demolish remaining compounds. Patel emphasized that the agency’s success depends on ironclad partnerships with allied law enforcement agencies across Southeast Asia, including the Royal Thai Police, Dubai Police, China’s Ministry of Public Security, and others. He described the campaign as an ongoing mission to «rubble these networks» and return victims’ life savings.
