A Kenyan citizen is among six people charged by United States authorities over an alleged cryptocurrency investment scam that investigators say targeted hundreds of Americans through fake online relationships and fraudulent digital investment platforms.

The charges were announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, by the US Department of Justice as part of an expanded crackdown on international criminal networks accused of using online platforms to steal money from unsuspecting investors.

According to investigators, the suspects allegedly operated from scam compounds in Madagascar and had links to criminal networks connected to Southeast Asia and China.

The six suspects reportedly include one Kenyan, one Ugandan, and individuals from Cameroon and Rwanda.

How the Alleged Crypto Scam Worked

US authorities allege that the suspects posed as women on dating websites to build relationships with potential victims before persuading them to invest in cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Investigators say victims were then encouraged to connect their cryptocurrency wallets to fraudulent investment websites.

Once the wallets were connected, the suspects allegedly persuaded victims to continue funding their accounts before secretly transferring cryptocurrency without their knowledge.

The alleged operation relied on fake online identities and emotional manipulation to gain victims’ trust before directing them towards the fraudulent platforms.

FBI Identifies About 800 Potential Victims

The Federal Bureau of Investigation identified approximately 74 cryptocurrency wallets associated with around 800 American victims who reported losing money after interacting with the suspected investment platforms.

Authorities allege that funds taken from victims were transferred to cryptocurrency accounts associated with actors based in China.

The US government has also seized websites allegedly used in the scheme as investigations continue.

The investigation forms part of the work of the Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, which targets international networks involved in cryptocurrency fraud and other online scams.

US Seeks International Cooperation

US officials say the alleged criminal group established scam compounds in Madagascar in early 2025, possibly relocating operations from Cambodia following law enforcement action there.

The case highlights growing concerns among international authorities about fraud networks that move between countries while using dating apps, social media and cryptocurrency platforms to reach victims abroad.

The charges remain allegations, and the accused are entitled to due process. The case will proceed through the US justice system as authorities pursue the investigation and seek cooperation from international partners.