Six Charged In Dating-App Crypto Scam

U.S. authorities have announced charges against six Africa-based suspects accused of participating in an international cryptocurrency investment scam that allegedly used fake romantic identities to defraud Americans.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the operation was allegedly run from Madagascar by a group with connections to Malaysia and China. Investigators say the suspects posed as women on dating websites, built trust with victims and persuaded them to connect their cryptocurrency wallets to fraudulent websites promoting non-fungible token (NFT) investments.

Once the wallets were connected, victims were allegedly encouraged to deposit additional funds before the money was withdrawn without their knowledge.

The FBI identified approximately 74 cryptocurrency wallets associated with about 800 potential victims nationwide, according to the Justice Department. The identified wallets were linked to victims who reported losses after interacting with the fraudulent investment platforms.

The Justice Department identified Chui Kok Wa as the alleged leader and charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Investigators reportedly found scripts, employment contracts and records on his phones describing work schedules and bonuses tied to money stolen from victims.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said authorities were seeking cooperation from Madagascar to extradite the six defendants. The case also involves international efforts to trace cryptocurrency and disrupt fraudulent investment websites.