A coordinated operation involving technology companies and law enforcement agencies across 10 countries targeted suspected online fraud networks and scam centres.
Meta says it has removed more than 3.7 million accounts, pages and groups from Facebook and Instagram in a coordinated operation targeting suspected scam networks operating in West Africa.
The action formed part of an international enforcement effort involving technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries, according to information released during the operation.
The US Department of Justice announced on October 13, 2026, that the joint disruption effort had targeted online scam accounts and transnational criminal networks operating in the region.
The operation reportedly led to the identification of more than 30 suspected scam centres, alongside arrests, seizures and the rescue of more than 100 trafficking victims, according to the US authorities.
The collaboration brought together private-sector technology companies and law enforcement agencies to identify suspicious online activity and disrupt networks believed to be connected to fraudulent schemes.
The removal of the accounts represents a major intervention against the online infrastructure allegedly used by criminal groups to reach potential victims.
How online scam networks operate
Fraud networks can use fake profiles, deceptive pages, impersonation and misleading messages to build trust with users before attempting to obtain money or sensitive personal information.
Some schemes involve fraudulent investment opportunities, romance scams, impersonation of legitimate businesses or other forms of social engineering.
Large-scale operations can span multiple countries, making cooperation between technology platforms and law enforcement agencies important for tracing activity and identifying suspected perpetrators.
Removing accounts can disrupt the channels used to approach victims, although enforcement action does not necessarily eliminate the people or organisations responsible. Networks may attempt to create replacement accounts or move to other services.
Users are advised to be cautious about unsolicited investment offers, requests for money from online acquaintances, suspicious links and messages demanding account credentials or verification codes.
Cross-border cooperation against digital crime
The operation illustrates the growing role of international cooperation in addressing online fraud and other technology-enabled crimes.
However, the number of accounts removed should not be interpreted as the number of individual criminals arrested or convicted. Accounts, pages and groups are distinct from people, and the legal status of suspects depends on the evidence and relevant proceedings.
Continued cooperation among platforms, investigators and users will remain important in detecting suspicious activity, protecting potential victims and pursuing those responsible for criminal schemes.