NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma investigators have seized more than $581,000 in cryptocurrency linked to an international fraud scheme that used threats of criminal investigation to pressure victims into sending money, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

The investigation began August 24, 2026, when the Norman Police Department requested assistance investigating a cybercrime scam involving a woman who had been contacted by individuals impersonating bank employees.

The scammers falsely claimed that a transaction on the woman's bank account was connected to the purchase of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

They threatened to contact law enforcement unless she sent them money through cryptocurrency.

Detectives Uncover Dozens of Victims Across Multiple States and Canada

A Norman police detective began tracing cryptocurrency transactions associated with the scam and discovered that the fraud extended beyond Oklahoma.

Investigators determined that the scammers had contacted multiple victims throughout Oklahoma, neighboring states and Canada.

Norman police subsequently requested assistance from the OSBI Fraud and Cybercrime Unit.

Working together, investigators identified dozens of victims who reported combined financial losses exceeding $70,000.

OSBI Seizes More Than $581,000 From Scammers' Cryptocurrency Accounts

Using evidence gathered during the investigation, OSBI special agents obtained a warrant authorizing the seizure of cryptocurrency held in accounts associated with the scammers.

Authorities ultimately seized more than $581,000 in cryptocurrency, significantly more than the losses reported by the victims identified during the investigation.

Investigators believe the individuals operating the scam are located overseas.

The OSBI is now working with the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office to return stolen funds to victims.

Authorities Urge Fraud Victims to Report Scams

The OSBI encourages anyone who has been targeted by financial fraud to report the incident to their local law enforcement agency and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov/.

Agents with the OSBI Fraud and Cybercrime Unit review complaints submitted through the Internet Crime Complaint Center for potential enforcement action.

The OSBI credited the Norman Police Department and Oklahoma Attorney General's Office for their assistance in the investigation.