# Transnational online scam center crackdown in Madagascar > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/transnational-online-scam-center-crackdown-in-madagascar > Updated: 2026-09-13T13:09:41.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Authorities in Madagascar, the United States, and China dismantled 13 online scam centers operated by Chinese nationals. The operation, involving the U.S. Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, led to the arrest of approximately 500 individuals globally, including about 100 in Madagascar. In Madagascar, 160 Chinese nationals were convicted and received prison sentences between two and ten years. A group of 50 convicts has been transferred to China to serve the remainder of their sentences. U.S. officials are also working to identify at least 30 Chinese executives linked to the leadership of these networks. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Xinbi Guarantee and two other entities for supporting fraudulent activities. The Scam Center Strike Force reported that it has helped freeze or seize approximately $938 million in digital assets linked to money laundering from such centers. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Madagascar authorities investigate cross-border marriage network Madagascar police are investigating a cross-border matchmaking network that targets African women to marry Chinese men, raising concerns over human trafficking and fraud. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-authorities-investigate-cross-border-marriage-network ### 2026-09-11: Madagascar: 13 Chinese-run online scam centers dismantled A joint operation by Madagascar, China, and the U.S. has dismantled 13 online scam centers, leading to 500 arrests and the seizure of data from thousands of devices used in transnational fraud. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madagascar-13-chinese-run-online-scam-centers-dismantled --- Cite as: Transnational online scam center crackdown in Madagascar. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/transnational-online-scam-center-crackdown-in-madagascar