Coinbase Collaborates with Law Enforcement to Disrupt West African Scam Networks

Coinbase has taken a proactive role in combating transnational scam networks operating out of West Africa, specifically in Ghana and Nigeria. From October 6 to 9, 2026, the company joined the Joint Disruption Week, an initiative led by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the US Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force.

The operation yielded impressive results, including the removal of over 3.7 million fraudulent accounts and pages, the arrest of 28 individuals, and the rescue of 117 human trafficking victims in Ghana. Coinbase's Global Intelligence team played a crucial role by providing real-time blockchain analysis to track illicit fund flows and support asset freezes.

During the operation, Coinbase successfully blocked more than $415,000 in potential losses for over 65 victims. The broader impact of the operation revealed 89 additional scam victims with approximately $8.3 million in losses. The collaboration also identified more than 30 scam centers, highlighting the scale of the issue.

The operation was particularly timely as many scam networks have relocated to West Africa following increased law enforcement pressure in Southeast Asia. The tactics employed by these networks include fake investment schemes and impersonation, designed to build trust before defrauding victims.

Coinbase VP Leah Bressack emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in tackling these scams, noting that previous disruptions in Southeast Asia demonstrated the effectiveness of such collaborations. The operation serves as a model for future public-private partnerships in combating cybercrime.