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US, UK, and Canada jointly launch "Operation Atlantic" to combat crypto phishing scams

Bitget • March 16, 2026

ChainCatcher news, law enforcement agencies from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have jointly launched a multinational operation called "Operation Atlantic," focusing on combating "approval-phishing" scams targeting crypto users.

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Operation Atlantic Launched to Combat Crypto Approval-Phishing Scams On March 16, 2026, law enforcement agencies from the U.S., U.K., and Canada launched Operation Atlantic, targeting approval-phishing scams that have defrauded cryptocurrency users. The operation involves the U.S. Secret Service, the U.K.'s National Crime Agency, and Canadian agencies including the Ontario Provincial Police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Approval-phishing scams trick victims into signing malicious transactions that allow attackers to drain their cryptocurrency wallets. In 2025, losses from these scams amounted to $83.85 million, an 83% decrease from $494 million in 2024, with victim counts dropping by 68%. However, the industrialization of scam operations continues, with groups like the China-based Smishing Triad reportedly generating significant profits. The operation aims to identify victims, recover stolen funds, and raise public awareness about cryptocurrency fraud. 26 sources 59

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US, UK, and Canada jointly launch "Operation Atlantic" to combat crypto phishing scams

The full story

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