Key Points
- International operation led to 276 arrests and dismantled nine crypto scam centres.
- Suspects allegedly ran pig-butchering schemes causing millions in victim losses.
On April 29, Dubai Police announced the completion of Operation Tri-Force Sentinel, a joint effort with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and China’s Ministry of Public Security that resulted in 276 arrests.
Authorities said the operation dismantled nine centres accused of conducting cryptocurrency-related fraud schemes across multiple jurisdictions.
Operation Tri-Force Sentinel and Arrests
Dubai Police carried out 275 arrests under the UAE Ministry of Interior, while the Royal Thai Police detained an additional fugitive suspect.
The US Department of Justice described the collaboration as unprecedented cooperation among the three law enforcement agencies.
Officials stated the action targeted three criminal syndicates allegedly responsible for high-yield investment fraud, pig-butchering schemes, and virtual currency scams.
Six individuals have been charged in the Southern District of California with wire fraud and money laundering, each charge carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The defendants include Thet Min Nyi, also known as “Pixy,” Wiliang Awang, Andreas Chandra, Lisa Mariam, and two unnamed co-conspirators who remain at large.
Court records indicate the suspects were involved in operations referred to as “Ko Thet Company,” “Sanduo Group,” and “Giant Company.”
Thet Min Nyi’s indictment includes criminal forfeiture allegations, which may involve the seizure of cryptocurrency assets and related property.
Structure of the Pig-Butchering Schemes
Pig-butchering schemes typically involve extended online interactions, with perpetrators posing as romantic partners or acquaintances to build trust before introducing fraudulent investment opportunities.
Victims were allegedly directed to platforms that appeared legitimate, encouraged to transfer cryptocurrency, and urged to increase deposits, sometimes by obtaining loans.
Fraudulent dashboards displayed fabricated profits to prompt additional contributions before victims ultimately lost access to their funds.
Investigators said laundered assets were moved through various networks after victims’ accounts were frozen or closed.
The investigation began in 2025 when FBI San Diego agents launched a Homeland Security Task Force probe into suspected cryptocurrency-fraud operations, with information provided by Meta Platforms.
Authorities reported that combined victim losses from the schemes amount to millions of dollars.
Operation Tri-Force Sentinel coincides with Operation Level Up, an FBI-led initiative that has notified nearly 9,000 victims and reportedly helped prevent an estimated $562 million in additional losses as of April 2026, according to the Department of Justice.
