The U.S. Department of Justice reported results from a joint law-enforcement and private-sector operation targeting scam networks in West Africa. Hosted by the UK National Crime Agency during the week beginning October 6, 2026, the effort included Binance and Coinbase among its private-sector participants.

The department said partners identified more than $11 million in potentially freezable funds. That figure was not reported as a confirmed recovery. Authorities reported 28 arrests overall. In Ghana’s Sasaabi, they arrested 19 people, seized 303 electronic devices and identified 117 trafficking victims pending repatriation to Nigeria. The DOJ also said partners shared leads on more than 30 suspected scam centers and that cryptocurrency seizures were made, but did not disclose their value.

Why it matters

  • The operation illustrates cross-border coordination between law enforcement and crypto-industry firms.
  • Potentially freezable funds should not be confused with assets actually frozen or recovered.