Crypto scams: Washington seeks six extraditions from Madagascar
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Madagascar Tribune
US authorities are asking Madagascar to extradite six people indicted in the United States for their alleged role in a cryptocurrency scam network. The FBI helped dismantle 13 scam centres and seize more than 3,200 devices, according to the US Department of Justice.
US judicial authorities are seeking the extradition from Madagascar of six people indicted for their alleged role in an international cryptocurrency scam network, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice. US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced the expansion of the Scam Center Strike Force, a US unit specialising in the fight against financial cybercrime networks.
FBI agents deployed to Madagascar in August 2026, at the invitation of the Malagasy Ministry of Justice and the National Police, helped dismantle 13 scam compounds and seize more than 3,200 electronic devices, according to US authorities. Washington accuses Madagascar of repatriating several suspects to China before the investigations had ended.
US investigators are also seeking to interview 15 alleged network employees, who say they suffered abuse and were victims of human trafficking. They are being held in a prison in Madagascar, according to the statement. The FBI says it has identified about 800 American victims and 74 digital wallets linked to the case. The suspects allegedly lured their victims through fake profiles on dating sites, then directed them to purported NFT investment platforms.
The extradition request follows the indictment of the six suspects in the United States, announced on 31 October as part of the investigation into the alleged fraud operated from Madagascar.
