PANews reported on March 17 that, according to Decrypt, the U.S. Secret Service will collaborate with the UK National Crime Agency, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Ontario Securities Commission in a joint international operation called "Operation Atlantic" to combat cryptocurrency scams such as "authorized phishing" or "pig butchering" scams. These scams typically lure victims into granting them access to their funds through fake online romantic relationships. U.S. Secret Service officials stated that the operation will identify and dismantle these scams in near real-time, preventing criminals from profiting further. The UK stated that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and the operation aims to protect the public through early warnings and asset protection. This collaboration builds upon "Operation Atlas," launched by Canadian authorities in 2024. According to a Chainalysis report, crypto crime alone caused over $17 billion in losses last year.


