U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia
WASHINGTON – A federal court has ordered the forfeiture of approximately $2.5 million in virtual currency connected to fraudulent cryptocurrency confidence schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, John Lynch, Chief of the Department of Justice’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the San Diego Field Office.
U.S. Attorney Pirro stated, “Whether on our streets or behind computer screens abroad, the United States will continue to hold fraudsters accountable, seize illicit gains, and seek justice for victims.”
FBI Special Agent Moy added, “Cryptocurrency confidence schemes prey on vulnerable victims and cause devastating losses. Today’s recovery sends a strong message that the FBI will pursue and hold accountable fraudsters wherever they operate.”
The public is encouraged to report suspected cybercrimes—including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, and investment fraud—through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
This forfeiture is part of the U.S. government’s broader efforts to disrupt criminal enterprises by seizing assets obtained through illegal activity, enhancing cooperation between domestic and international law enforcement, and recovering funds to compensate victims. More information is available at www.justice.gov/afp.
The investigation was led by the FBI San Diego Field Office, with support from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit. The Department of Justice also acknowledges Tether for their assistance in facilitating the asset transfer.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Blaylock Jr. and Kevin Rosenberg, along with Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz and Gaelin Bernstein from the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. Supervisory Paralegal Gina Torres provided critical support.
