Singapore Police Force prevented more than $4.2 million in potential cryptocurrency scam losses through a six-week operation with Coinbase and six other exchanges from April 16 through May 31, 2026. The Anti-Scam Centre and Cyber Investigation Branch used blockchain analysis tools from Chainalysis and TRM Labs to identify 145+ individuals at risk of transferring funds to scammers across government official impersonation, investment, job, and love scam categories. Coinbase Singapore announced the operation's results on July 10 via an X post. The operation combined official investigative authority with customer information held by cryptocurrency platforms, creating a direct path from suspicious blockchain activity to preventive intervention before transfers were completed. Singapore Police emphasized the partnership model represents an ongoing commitment to safeguarding the public through proactive, intelligence-driven operations with private sector partners.
Singapore Police Used Blockchain Tools to Identify Potential Scam Victims
Police officers used analytical tools from Chainalysis and TRM Labs to examine activity connected to government official impersonation, investment, job and love scams. The analysis helped authorities identify people who appeared to be at risk of transferring cryptocurrency. Investigators then worked with exchanges to connect suspicious activity with customers who could be contacted.
Coinbase Singapore stated in its July 10 X post: "Over the past 6 weeks, Coinbase worked closely with the Singapore Police Anti-Scam Centre and Cyber Investigation Branch on a joint anti-scam operation. Together, we stopped 145+ people from losing a combined $4.2M+ to scams."
Blockchain records can reveal transaction patterns, but authorities still need a way to identify and contact people who may be preparing to send funds. The Singapore Police operation combined official investigative authority with customer information held by cryptocurrency platforms.
Seven Cryptocurrency Exchanges Provided Customer Information for Police Interventions
Coinbase, Coinhako, Gemini, Independent Reserve, OKX, StraitsX and Upbit participated in the police-led operation. The Singapore Police Force said the companies provided timely customer information that helped officers carry out more than 145 targeted interventions. Those contacts took place by telephone and in person.
The Singapore Police Force noted: "The participating cryptocurrency exchanges supported the operation by providing timely customer information, facilitating more than 145 targeted interventions conducted over the phone and in-person, and allowed officers to reach potential scam victims before funds were lost."
The figures announced by Singapore Police highlight potential losses prevented, reflecting the operation's focus on early intervention before funds were transferred. The official release emphasized the scale of outreach and coordination, though it did not include detailed breakdowns such as individual cases or transaction-level data.
Singapore Police Committed to Continued Private Sector Partnerships
The Singapore Police Force stated: "The Police will continue to work closely with cryptocurrency exchanges and other private sector partners to combat cybercrime and remain committed to safeguarding the public through proactive and intelligence-driven operations."
The partnership remains active. Additional disclosures could show how many flagged cases were confirmed as scams and how often police interventions prevented transfers. Further official data on confirmed scams, enforcement actions and repeat interventions would provide a fuller picture of how effectively the model protects cryptocurrency users.
FAQ
What did Singapore Police do from April 16 through May 31, 2026?
Singapore Police Force's Anti-Scam Centre and Cyber Investigation Branch worked with Coinbase and six other cryptocurrency exchanges to prevent more than $4.2 million in potential scam losses through 145+ targeted interventions conducted by phone and in person.
How did Singapore Police identify potential scam victims?
Police officers used blockchain analysis tools from Chainalysis and TRM Labs to examine activity connected to government official impersonation, investment, job and love scams, then worked with exchanges to connect suspicious activity with customers who could be contacted.
Which cryptocurrency exchanges participated in the Singapore Police operation?
Coinbase, Coinhako, Gemini, Independent Reserve, OKX, StraitsX and Upbit provided timely customer information that helped officers carry out targeted interventions before funds were lost.
