BANGKOK, THAILAND – Wiliang Awang, an Indonesian national, was arrested by the Royal Thai Police on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, as part of an extensive international crackdown on cryptocurrency investment fraud. Awang, 23, is implicated in a sophisticated ‘pig-butchering’ scheme that has defrauded American citizens of millions of dollars.
The arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, in their ongoing efforts to dismantle global scam centers. Awang, also known by aliases such as Wiliang Ng, Wiliang Huang, Lincon, and Lincoln, faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy in the Southern District of California.
The Charges Against Wiliang Awang
Wiliang Awang is specifically charged with wire fraud conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in managing and operating scam compounds linked to organizations such as “Ko Thet Company,” “Sanduo Group,” and “Giant Company.” The criminal complaints against Awang and several co-defendants were filed in April 2026.
The fraud mechanism, commonly known as a ‘pig-butchering’ scam, is particularly insidious. It involves fraudsters cultivating long-term, trusting relationships with victims, often through social media or dating applications. Once trust is established, victims are convinced to invest in what appear to be legitimate cryptocurrency platforms. Initially, fabricated profits are displayed to encourage larger investments, creating a false sense of security. Ultimately, victims discover they are unable to withdraw their funds, with their investments vanishing into the elaborate scheme.
The investigation into these scam centers began in 2025 when FBI San Diego identified multiple companies operating these fraudulent schemes.
Scale of the Crime
The scam centers allegedly associated with Wiliang Awang and his co-conspirators have targeted numerous victims across the United States. The total losses attributed to these schemes amount to millions of dollars. The FBI’s broader initiative, “Operation Level Up,” launched in 2024, has proactively identified and notified nearly 9,000 victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud by April 2026, preventing an estimated $562 million in potential losses.
“The arrest of individuals like Wiliang Awang is critical in disrupting the sophisticated networks behind these devastating cryptocurrency investment frauds. It sends a clear message that international cooperation will bring these criminals to justice, no matter where they operate.”
The schemes primarily target individuals, preying on their trust and financial aspirations to defraud them of their hard-earned money.
For more information on related fraud investigations, visit our archives.
Investigation Details
The apprehension of Wiliang Awang was the result of an unprecedented collaboration between international law enforcement agencies. The FBI, the Dubai Police Department, and the Chinese Ministry of Public Security spearheaded the broader global crackdown. The Royal Thai Police, specifically their Immigration Bureau, Foreign Affairs, and Anti Cyber Scam Center, played a crucial role in the on-the-ground operation that led to Awang’s arrest in Thailand.
The fraud was uncovered when FBI San Diego agents began identifying companies and individuals managing scam compounds in 2025. Critical information for the investigation was also provided by Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, highlighting the role of digital platforms in both facilitating and combating these crimes. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has been instrumental in gathering victim reports and meticulously tracking the financial trails left by these schemes.
What Happens Next
Wiliang Awang’s arrest marks the initial phase of the legal process. As he is charged with wire fraud conspiracy, he will likely undergo extradition proceedings to the United States to face trial in the Southern District of California. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Details regarding his specific court dates, potential conviction, or sentence are not yet available. This arrest is part of a larger, ongoing investigation, and further charges or arrests of co-conspirators may follow.
Protecting Yourself
The rise of sophisticated cryptocurrency investment frauds underscores the importance of vigilance among investors. Common red flags associated with ‘pig-butchering’ scams and similar schemes include unsolicited contact through social media or dating apps, rapid attempts to build a personal relationship, and promises of exceptionally high returns with little to no risk. Be wary of requests to invest through unfamiliar or obscure trading platforms, and always exercise extreme caution when approached with investment opportunities that seem too good to be true. Legitimate investments rarely guarantee profits and will never pressure you into quick decisions or prevent you from withdrawing your funds. Always verify the legitimacy of any investment platform and the individuals promoting it through independent research.
