Friends, we’ve reached a turning point.

Operation Shamrock has made its way to the White House, briefing the National Security Council on the urgent and growing epidemic of scams driven by transnational organized crime. Together, we’ve outlined bold and actionable recommendations designed to disrupt these criminal networks and protect millions from financial ruin.

This fight is about more than just stopping scams. It’s about restoring trust, protecting vulnerable communities, and addressing a crisis that threatens national security.

The Shamrock Recommendations: A Blueprint for Action

1. Appoint a Scam Czar – Designate a dedicated national leader to coordinate anti-scam efforts across all sectors.

2. Establish a Multi-Agency Task Force – Bring together government, law enforcement, tech companies, and financial institutions to tackle scams at every level.

3. Develop a Comprehensive National Strategy – Align resources and expertise to dismantle these operations systematically.

There is no alternative. If we want to combat this crisis effectively, we must organize, act, and disrupt the systems that allow these bad actors to thrive.

Understanding the Crisis

Over the past several years, scams orchestrated by transnational organized crime syndicates have grown exponentially. A prime example is pig butchering, a term used to describe a systematic approach to financial exploitation.

These scams begin with criminals using social media, dating apps, or messaging platforms to connect with victims. They then “fatten” their targets with fake friendships or romantic relationships, ultimately luring them into fraudulent investment schemes. Once the victims have been drained of their savings, the scammers vanish, leaving financial devastation in their wake.

These scams are not isolated incidents. They are orchestrated by sophisticated criminal enterprises, largely based in Southeast Asia, leveraging technology, coercion, and a global network of accomplices to exploit victims worldwide. The numbers are staggering—billions of dollars stolen annually, with no end in sight.

Why do these scams thrive? Because they exploit systemic weaknesses: fragmented enforcement efforts, lack of public awareness, and insufficient coordination between private and public sectors.

Operation Shamrock’s Vision: Educate, Mobilize, Disrupt

To effectively counter these scams, we must embrace a unified strategy. Operation Shamrock proposes the creation of a task force that unites key stakeholders across industries and government agencies. This task force would focus on three primary pillars:

1. Education and Awareness

Public Awareness Campaigns: Informing the public is the first line of defense. People need to recognize the tactics used by scammers and know how to protect themselves.

Law Enforcement Training: Officers must be equipped to identify scam patterns, support victims, and coordinate with federal agencies.

2. Enforcement and Prosecution

Sanctions and Seizures: Target the enablers of these scams, including businesses, individuals, and digital platforms that facilitate criminal activities. Recent actions against figures like Ly Yung Phat set a precedent for holding bad actors accountable.

Disruption of Financial Flows: Work with banks and payment platforms to identify and block fraudulent transactions in real-time.

Cyber Takedowns: Shut down scam websites, social media accounts, and other digital infrastructure used by criminals.

3. Systemic Disruption

International Collaboration: Partner with foreign governments to extradite and prosecute offenders operating overseas.

Tech Partnerships: Collaborate with tech platforms to remove fake profiles and dismantle scam operations at their source.

Infrastructure Disruption: Cut off internet access to compounds known to house scam operations, limiting their ability to operate.

Putting Victims at the Center

Victims of scams often face confusion, shame, and financial hardship, yet our current system fails to provide them with adequate support. A centralized reporting platform would be a game-changer.

This platform would serve as a one-stop hub for victims to report scams, access resources, and understand their next steps. It would also enable better data collection, providing critical insights into scam trends, victim demographics, and financial losses.

Additionally, local law enforcement agencies need better funding and training to respond to scam reports effectively. Victims deserve clear, compassionate support from the moment they report a scam.

Why We Must Act Now

This crisis is not new. Over a year ago, I stood before leaders from the FBI and a major social media platform to warn of the growing scale of this problem. I called for a national leader to spearhead efforts against these scams. Since then, billions of dollars have been stolen, enriching criminal syndicates while devastating countless lives.

Our current response remains fragmented. Federal agencies, state governments, and private sector players often work in silos, duplicating efforts and leaving critical gaps for criminals to exploit. Victims, meanwhile, are left unsupported, and scammers continue to operate with near impunity.

The cost of inaction is clear. Beyond the financial toll, these scams erode trust in technology, financial systems, and institutions. They also fund larger criminal operations, including human trafficking and drug smuggling, posing a direct threat to national and global security.

Join the Fight

Operation Shamrock is more than a policy proposal; it’s a call to action. The knowledge, tools, and strategies to combat this crisis exist, but we need leadership to bring it all together.

Join the fight today. Learn more about how you can become involved in Operation Shamrock today.

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