A new federal Scam Center Strike Force has been announced to aggressively tackle the rise of Chinese organized crime groups operating elaborate cyber scam centers in Southeast Asia. Led by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Department of Justice, FBI, Secret Service, and the Treasury Department.

The strike force’s mission focuses on investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting major criminal networks running scam operations out of countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and Burma. These sophisticated scams, fueled by organized criminal groups, have defrauded Americans of billions of dollars—often targeting vulnerable individuals including seniors with devastating results.

To combat these crimes, the task force will use a range of strategies, such as sanctions, asset seizures, and criminal charges, to dismantle the scam infrastructure and hold leaders accountable. They are also working to protect U.S. financial and communications infrastructure from abuse and to ensure victims receive support and potential restitution.

Pirro highlighted the real human cost of these crimes, recounting victims’ stories that include the loss of life savings and even lives. The launch of the Scam Center Strike Force marks a determined government effort to confront and stop the growing threat of transnational cyber fraud targeting Americans.

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