World · Africa · 7 hrs ago
US indicts six over alleged Madagascar-based NFT scam
US prosecutors indicted Malaysian national Chui Kok Wa and five others over an alleged scam operation based in Madagascar.
The indictment says the group stole more than $516,695 from 74 cryptocurrency wallets belonging to people in the United States.
Prosecutors say the group used dating sites to draw people into investing in fake nonfungible tokens, or NFTs.
The operation allegedly moved to Madagascar from Cambodia after law enforcement crackdowns there.
In August, an FBI team accessed more than 3,000 devices and visited scam compounds in Antananarivo with Madagascar's police, but could not interview suspects.
The case also involves workers who say they were trafficked and abused, while investigators say some evidence suggests others were paid to take part.
The US is calling on Madagascar to extradite the six defendants and let investigators interview 15 employees; it is unclear whether the defendants are still in the country.
US prosecutors indicted Malaysian national Chui Kok Wa and five others over an alleged NFT investment scam operated from Madagascar.
The indictment says the group stole more than $516,695 from 74 cryptocurrency wallets linked to victims in the United States.
Prosecutors allege Wa led about 20 people who used dating sites to lure victims into investing in fictitious NFTs.
An FBI unit accessed more than 3,000 devices during an investigation in Madagascar in August.
The Justice Department said it asked Madagascar to cooperate and extradite the six defendants.
- Who
- Malaysian national Chui Kok Wa and five others were indicted. The five are named as Gislen Neukeu, Shamusa Ninsiima, Clement Mugiraneza, Merveille Mudacumura and Nicodemus Monyancha.
- What
- They are accused of running a fictitious NFT investment scheme that stole more than $516,695 from victims.
- When
- Prosecutors announced the indictments on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- Where
- The alleged operation was based in Madagascar, including compounds in Antananarivo. Victims had cryptocurrency wallets associated with Maryland, Oregon, Nevada, Minnesota and other states.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege the group used dating sites to lure people into investing in fake NFTs and took money from their cryptocurrency wallets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Three Brazilian witnesses said they were moved from Cambodia to Antananarivo after responding to online work ads and ending up at scam compounds.
An FBI unit went to Madagascar and gained access to more than 3,000 devices.
Prosecutors announced indictments against Wa and five others.
- Alleged stolen amount
- More than $516,695
- Cryptocurrency wallets
- 74
- FBI device access
- More than 3,000 devices
- Alleged group led by Wa
- About 20 people
- Workers’ monthly pay
- $900 per month
What people are saying
Madagascar repatriated to China numerous suspects before the investigation was complete.
called on the Madagascar government to cooperate with the United States, extradite the six charged defendants
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Chainalysis is proud to assist the DOJ's Scam Center Strike Force in its action against global crypto investment fraud, including an alleged Madagascar scam operation that used fake NFT investments to steal from Americans. This reactor chart shows how one victim of the alleged