I 
119TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 6770 
To direct the Commander of the United States Cyber Command to submit 
to Congress a report regarding recommended actions in cyberspace to 
defend the United States against transnational organized crime networks 
linked to the Chinese Communist Party that operate digital scams. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
DECEMBER 16, 2025 
Mr. VINDMAN (for himself and Mr. FINSTAD) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services 
A BILL 
To direct the Commander of the United States Cyber Com-
mand to submit to Congress a report regarding rec-
ommended actions in cyberspace to defend the United 
States against transnational organized crime networks 
linked to the Chinese Communist Party that operate 
digital scams. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Scam Defense Strategy 
Act’’. 
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SEC. 2. TRANSNATIONAL ORGANIZED CRIME NETWORKS. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) According to estimates from the United 
States 
Institutes 
of 
Peace, 
China-linked 
transnational organized crime groups that operate 
‘‘fraud farms’’ in Southeast Asia steal nearly 
$43,800,000,000 annually through digital scams. 
(2) Such scams increasingly affect Americans 
and disproportionately target vulnerable populations 
such as the elderly and socially isolated. 
(3) According to the Federal Trade Commis-
sion, in 2024 alone— 
(A) 246,783 scam text messages were re-
ported, resulting in $469,000,000 in losses to 
Americans; 
(B) 371,664 scam emails were reported, 
resulting in $502,000,000 in losses to Ameri-
cans; and 
(C) 284,651 scam phone calls were re-
ported, resulting in $948,000,000 in losses to 
Americans. 
(4) Transnational organized crime groups main-
tain documented ties to the Chinese Communist 
Party. Chinese officials and state-owned enterprises 
have provided direct support for the construction 
and operation of facilities linked to transnational or-
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ganized crime, raising serious concerns about a co-
ordinated campaign of foreign interference and sabo-
tage. 
(5) The involvement of the Chinese Communist 
Party in transnational organized crime networks 
presents an urgent national security threat. These 
networks funnel financial assets and sensitive per-
sonal information of United States citizens to a hos-
tile foreign power, undermining American economic 
security and individual privacy. 
(6) Such transnational organized crime net-
works have deeply imbedded themselves into South-
east Asian economies, exerting destabilizing influ-
ence across the region. 
(7) Proceeds from scams operated by these 
transnational crime networks are used to fund war-
lords and ongoing civil conflicts, compounding re-
gional instability. 
(8) Transnational organized crime networks 
have trafficked an estimated 300,000 individuals 
into cyber scam operations across Southeast Asia. 
Victims, including United States citizens, are forced 
to work under conditions that the U.S.-China Eco-
nomic and Security Review Commission compares to 
modern slavery. The United Nations has warned 
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that human trafficking tied to these scam centers 
has reached the level of a humanitarian and human 
rights crisis. 
(9) The U.S.-China Economic and Security Re-
view has acknowledged credible reports linking scam 
facilities in the Philippines to Chinese espionage ac-
tivity. These facilities are being constructed near air 
bases strategically important to United States oper-
ations, including Clark Air Base and Basa Air Base, 
a key site under the Enhanced Defense Cooperative 
Agreement. Philippine intelligence has provided com-
pelling evidence that these compounds have been 
used for surveillance and cyber intrusions. 
(10) The Chinese government has used the 
presence of Chinese transnational organized crime 
networks in Southeast Asia to pressure regional gov-
ernments to allow a greater role for Chinese security 
forces, which threatens national sovereignty and re-
gional stability. 
(11) Transnational organized crime networks 
endanger American defense priorities as well as de-
mocracy, good governance, and stability worldwide 
by co-opting local elites, undermining law enforce-
ment, weakening state authority, and threatening 
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the strategic interests of the United States in build-
ing a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
(12) An effective response by the United States 
Government will require a coordinated, whole-of-gov-
ernment effort drawing on the competencies of Fed-
eral agencies in information collection, financial en-
forcement, diplomatic engagement, defense and in-
telligence preparedness, and law enforcement. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the 
United States Cyber Command shall submit to Congress 
a report regarding recommended actions for the Secretary 
of Defense to take in cyberspace to defend the United 
States and United States citizens, assets, and interests 
against transnational organized crime networks linked to 
the Chinese Communist Party that operate digital scams. 
Æ 
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