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Global law enforcement and tech firms disrupt West African scam networks
A global coalition of law enforcement agencies and technology companies has disrupted major scam networks operating out of West Africa. The operation, coordinated in London between October 6 and 9, 2026, involved the UK’s National Crime Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the FBI, alongside partners from several other nations.
Meta announced the removal of over 3.7 million accounts, pages, and groups on Facebook and Instagram linked to these networks. The fraudulent activities primarily targeted users in the United States and the United Kingdom through schemes such as fake cryptocurrency investments, romance fraud, and impersonation of law enforcement officers. Other participating tech firms included Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Coinbase, and Starlink.
The crackdown led to 28 arrests and the rescue of 117 human trafficking victims in Ghana. These individuals were reportedly held in residential compounds and forced to work for the criminal organizations under conditions of physical and psychological abuse.
Financial investigators identified at least $11 million in potentially freezeable assets. Additionally, Coinbase reported that its involvement helped identify over 65 victims and prevented more than $415,000 in potential losses.
Entities
Coinbase · Federal Bureau of Investigation · Meta · Microsoft · National Crime Agency · U.S. Department of Justice
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The crackdown involved 14 technology companies and law enforcement from 10 countries. www.ceoinsightsindia.com · businessday.ng
- [● 3 SOURCES] Meta removed more than 3.7 million accounts, pages, and groups on Facebook and Instagram. www.ivoireactu.net · www.ceoinsightsindia.com · businessday.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] Coinbase identified more than 65 victims and prevented over $415,000 in potential scams. www.ceoinsightsindia.com · businessday.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] The majority of the removed accounts targeted users in the United States and the United Kingdom. www.ivoireactu.net · businessday.ng
- [● 3 SOURCES] The operation resulted in 28 arrests. www.ivoireactu.net · www.ceoinsightsindia.com · businessday.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] The operation identified more than 30 suspected scam centers. www.ivoireactu.net · businessday.ng
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities rescued 117 trafficking victims in Ghana. www.ivoireactu.net · www.ceoinsightsindia.com · businessday.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] At least $11 million in assets were identified as potentially freezeable. www.ivoireactu.net · www.ceoinsightsindia.com