Coinbase Joins US and UK Agencies to Disrupt West African Crypto Scams

West African crypto scams are facing increased scrutiny following a joint operation involving Coinbase, the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and other international partners. The operation targeted criminal networks operating in Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries that used online platforms to defraud victims worldwide.

The coordinated operation took place from October 6 to 9, 2026, in London. According to the US Department of Justice, the crackdown resulted in 28 arrests, the removal of more than 3.7 million online accounts, pages and groups, and the identification of over 30 suspected scam centres.

Coinbase Helps Disrupt West African Crypto Scams

Coinbase participated in the operation alongside technology companies, blockchain analytics firms and law enforcement agencies. Its Global Intelligence team focused on tracing suspicious financial activity, sharing intelligence and helping investigators follow funds linked to suspected scams.

According to Meta’s report on the operation, Coinbase identified more than 65 active scam victims and helped prevent over $415,000 in potential losses.

These efforts formed part of a wider collaboration aimed at identifying criminal networks and disrupting the financial systems they use to operate. The participating companies shared intelligence across platforms and jurisdictions to help investigators connect suspicious accounts, online infrastructure and financial transactions.

Coinbase said its participation also involved supporting efforts to freeze assets linked to scam networks and providing information that could help law enforcement advance investigations.

The company has previously participated in similar efforts targeting scam operations in Southeast Asia. It said the latest collaboration reflects the need to respond as criminal networks expand their activities into new regions.

Operation Targets Nigeria and Ghana

The operation focused on criminal networks operating in West Africa, including Nigeria and Ghana. Authorities investigated several types of fraud, from fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities to impersonation and extortion schemes.

The US Department of Justice reported 28 arrests during the enforcement period.

In Ghana, authorities arrested 19 people in Sasaabi, a suburb of Accra, and seized 303 electronic devices. Investigators also identified 117 people who had been trafficked and forced to work in scam operations. The victims were awaiting repatriation to Nigeria, according to the DOJ.

In Nigeria, authorities arrested nine people and seized 53 electronic devices during the operation.

The cases involved different forms of online fraud, including cryptocurrency investment scams, impersonation of law enforcement officials and schemes that used threats of arrest to pressure victims into sending money.

These activities often target people outside the countries where the criminals operate. As a result, investigators may need to coordinate across borders to identify suspects, trace financial transactions and gather evidence.

More Than 3.7 Million Online Accounts Removed

The participating technology companies also took action against online infrastructure used to contact and deceive potential victims.

Meta reported that it removed more than 3.7 million accounts, pages and groups from Facebook and Instagram associated with scam activity targeting people in the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries.

The companies also shared leads on more than 30 suspected scam centres with law enforcement. The information supported investigations that led to arrests, cryptocurrency seizures and the rescue of trafficking victims.

The operation illustrates how scammers can exploit several digital services during a single fraud campaign.

For example, criminals may use social media to approach potential victims, messaging applications to build trust and fake investment platforms to persuade them to transfer money. Cryptocurrency transactions may then form part of the movement of the proceeds.

By sharing information across these services, investigators can look beyond individual accounts and identify connections between suspected criminals, their infrastructure and their financial activity.

Authorities Identify More Than $11 Million in Potentially Freezable Funds

Financial intelligence was another important part of the crackdown.

According to the DOJ, private-sector partners identified more than $11 million in funds that could potentially be frozen. The operation also involved cryptocurrency seizures.

However, the distinction matters: identifying funds as potentially freezable does not mean the entire amount was frozen, seized or returned to victims.

Investigators can use blockchain analysis to examine transaction histories and identify connections between cryptocurrency wallets. Where funds pass through services that collect customer information, investigators may also seek additional records to help identify the people involved.

These methods can support financial investigations, but a blockchain address alone does not establish the identity of its owner or prove that every transaction is criminal. Investigators must assess transaction data alongside other evidence.

Why International Cooperation Matters

The crackdown highlights the role of cooperation between cryptocurrency companies, technology platforms and law enforcement agencies in tackling online fraud.

A company may see suspicious activity on its own platform without knowing how it connects to accounts or transactions elsewhere. Sharing relevant intelligence can help investigators build a more complete picture of a suspected network.

The NCA hosted the London operation in collaboration with the DOJ, the FBI and other international partners. Nigerian and Ghanaian agencies also participated in enforcement activities.

For West Africa, this cooperation is particularly relevant because criminal networks can target victims abroad while operating from within the region. Coordinated investigations can help authorities pursue suspects and evidence across national boundaries.

Still, the long-term impact will depend on continued investigations, prosecutions and efforts to protect potential victims.

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Editorial Takeaway

The operation involving Coinbase and international law enforcement marks another effort to disrupt West African crypto scams and the networks behind them.

The reported arrests, account removals and identification of potentially freezable funds show the scale of the coordinated response. Coinbase’s reported intervention to protect active scam victims also highlights how crypto companies can contribute to fraud prevention.

However, disrupting online accounts is only one part of the response. Sustained cooperation, financial investigations and legal action will remain important in holding criminal networks accountable and preventing further losses.