The U.S. Department of Justice said six people were charged in connection with an alleged cryptocurrency investment scheme operated from Madagascar. Prosecutors allege scammers posed as women on dating websites and persuaded victims to connect cryptocurrency wallets to fraudulent websites associated with NFT investments, then withdrew funds without victims’ knowledge. Investigators identified approximately 74 cryptocurrency wallets associated with about 800 victims who reported financial losses, according to the DOJ. The department said the group opened scam compounds in Madagascar in early 2025. In August 2026, an FBI team assisted Malagasy authorities with processing more than 3,200 devices seized from 13 compounds. The charges remain allegations; the DOJ announcement does not establish guilt.

Why it matters

  • The alleged approach combined romance-based social engineering with cryptocurrency wallet access.
  • The case spans online platforms, crypto assets and an alleged operation based in Madagascar.