Coinbase participates in a joint operation in London to combat West African fraud networks
Cryptocurrency trading platform Coinbase announced its participation in Tech Against Scams and is collaborating with the UK's National Crime Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice Scam Center Strike Force, and international law enforcement partners to launch a joint crackdown week in London from October 6 to 9, sharing intelligence in real-time and coordinating actions against West African criminal scam networks.Coinbase stated that the relevant scam networks operate across platforms, seeking potential victims through social media, establishing trust via instant messaging, and using digital infrastructure and financial services to transfer illicit funds. As law enforcement and the industry intensify their crackdown on Southeast Asian scam hubs, criminal networks are expanding to other regions, including West Africa. This operation is hosted by the UK's National Crime Agency, bringing together technology, telecommunications, and financial companies to target the infrastructure, accounts, and payment systems that support scams.Coinbase Vice President Leah Bressack: The earlier crackdown on Southeast Asian scam hubs this year proved that coordinated actions between the industry and law enforcement are effective; as criminal networks attempt to rebuild in Africa, Coinbase's global intelligence team is tracking funds, freezing assets, and sharing intelligence in real-time. The tactics targeted include fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scams, impersonating law enforcement officials, and using fake video calls to carry out "arrests" to pressure transfers. Coinbase stated it will continue to collaborate with Tech Against Scams and law enforcement partners.