U.S., U.K., and Canada Launch Operation Atlantic to Crack Down on Crypto Scams

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-03-17Last updated on 2026-03-17

Abstract

U.S., U.K., and Canadian law enforcement agencies have launched Operation Atlantic, a coordinated effort to combat crypto-related scams and fraud networks. The operation involves agencies including the U.S. Secret Service, the U.K. National Crime Agency, and Canada’s Ontario Provincial Police, among others. Its primary goals are to disrupt organized fraud, recover stolen funds, protect victims from further losses, and raise public awareness of crypto investment scams. The initiative specifically targets "approval phishing" and "pig butchering" schemes, which have cost victims millions. Operation Atlantic builds on the earlier Project Atlas, expanding cross-border enforcement with more international partners to strengthen accountability in the digital asset sector.

The law enforcement agencies from three countries have started Operation Atlantic, an organized effort to disrupt crypto-related scams, dismantle fraud networks, and boost cross-border operations to target unlawful conduct in the digital asset space.

On March 16, the National Crime Agency (NCA) reported on Operation Atlantic, stating that it was a joint effort by law enforcement agencies from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

As per the report, the agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, the U.K. National Crime Agency, Canada’s Ontario Provincial Police, the Ontario Securities Commission, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the City of London Police, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority are participating.

The Operation Atlantic’s main objective is to disrupt the organized fraud schemes, reclaim stolen money, help victims protect assets to prevent further loss, and increase public awareness of crypto investment frauds.

The operation also targets people who have lost or are in danger of losing cryptos through a method called “approval phishing,” which is usually connected to online investment scams, also called “pig butchering,” in which victims are gradually tricked into sending large amounts of money to fraudsters over time.

Then, the United States Secret Service agency noted, “Approval phishing and investment scams cost victims millions in financial loss each year,” said Brent Daniels, the Deputy Assistant Director for the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Field Operations. Further, stating that the primary objective of Operation Atlantic is for the US Secret Service and its international law enforcement partners to quickly detect and stop these scams.

The agency also reported that Operation Atlantic expands upon Project Atlas, a 2024 project to tackle cryptocurrency fraud networks that was started by the United States Secret Service and the Ontario Provincial Police. With that, the latest Operation Atlantic strengthens cross-border enforcement activities by adding more international partners than the previous project

With that, the efforts of three countries indicate a stronger stance against crypto fraud as authorities aim to address legislative gaps and strengthen responsibility in the digital asset sector.

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Related Questions

QWhat is the main objective of Operation Atlantic?

AThe main objective of Operation Atlantic is to disrupt organized fraud schemes, reclaim stolen money, help victims protect assets to prevent further loss, and increase public awareness of crypto investment frauds.

QWhich countries are participating in Operation Atlantic?

AThe United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada are the countries participating in Operation Atlantic.

QWhat specific type of crypto scam is Operation Atlantic targeting, as mentioned in the article?

AOperation Atlantic is targeting scams that use a method called 'approval phishing,' which is often connected to online investment scams also known as 'pig butchering.'

QWhich previous project does Operation Atlantic expand upon?

AOperation Atlantic expands upon Project Atlas, a 2024 project that was started by the United States Secret Service and the Ontario Provincial Police to tackle cryptocurrency fraud networks.

QWhich specific law enforcement agencies from the U.S. and U.K. are mentioned as participants in the operation?

AFrom the U.S., the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are mentioned. From the U.K., the National Crime Agency (NCA), the City of London Police, and the Financial Conduct Authority are mentioned.

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