Coinbase Joins DOJ and UK Police to Target West Africa Scams

Coinbase participated in a four-day operation alongside U.S. and UK law enforcement to disrupt West African scam networks through financial tracing, intelligence sharing, and asset freezing support. According to CryptoNews, the October 6-9 London operation targeted criminal networks and the digital infrastructure supporting fraudulent schemes.

Targeted Operations and Intelligence

During the London event, Coinbase investigators traced financial activity and passed real-time information to law enforcement and industry partners. The operation involved the U.S. Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, the UK’s National Crime Agency, Tech Against Scams, and international law enforcement partners. Participating teams targeted accounts, digital infrastructure, and payment systems used by criminal networks operating in West Africa.

Targeted schemes included fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, police impersonation, and staged arrests conducted over video calls. Coinbase described an investigative process connecting blockchain transfers with evidence from fake profiles, messaging accounts, and websites to link activities that might otherwise appear unrelated.

Broadening Enforcement Actions

Coinbase Vice President Leah Bressack noted that the company previously worked against Southeast Asian scam compounds, where coordinated industry and law enforcement action was deployed. Coinbase stated that criminal networks have expanded into West Africa as authorities maintained pressure in Southeast Asia.

Ahead of the London event, American and British authorities signed an agreement on September 3 covering joint investigations into cryptocurrency investment fraud and online scams. FinCEN separately flagged $12.7 billion in suspicious activity associated with digital asset investment scams across Bank Secrecy Act reports submitted between September 2023 and December 2025.

Key facts

• Coinbase joined a four-day operation in London held from October 6-9 to target West African scam networks.
• Participating agencies included the DOJ’s Scam Center Strike Force and the UK’s National Crime Agency.
• Targeted schemes involved fake crypto investments, police impersonation, and staged video-call arrests.
• FinCEN previously identified $12.7 billion in suspicious activity tied to digital asset investment scams.