US Secret Service Cracks Down: $225M Crypto Seized From Fraud Network

U.S. authorities filed a civil forfeiture complaint targeting over $225.3 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to laundering proceeds from widespread cryptocurrency investment scams.

Secret Service, FBI Trace and Seize $225M in Crypto Scam Proceeds

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia filed the complaint in federal court on June 18, 2025. It alleges the cryptocurrency is connected to the theft and laundering of funds from victims of cryptocurrency confidence scams, commonly known as investment fraud schemes.

Investigators from the U.S. Secret Service and FBI used blockchain analysis to trace the funds. They identified a sophisticated laundering network executing hundreds of thousands of transactions across numerous cryptocurrency addresses to conceal the source and ownership of fraud proceeds.

Dozens of U.S. victims were confirmed, with over 400 suspected victims globally suffering millions in losses. Victims believed they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments before their funds were stolen and laundered.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro stated the action aimed to “rip” stolen funds from criminals and make victims whole. Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, called it part of an ongoing effort against scams costing Americans billions annually.

“This seizure … marks the largest cryptocurrency seizure in U.S. Secret Service history,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet. FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani highlighted the devastating impact on victims beyond financial loss. Both agencies emphasized collaboration to trace illicit transactions and return funds.

According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, cryptocurrency investment fraud caused over $5.8 billion in reported losses last year. The Secret Service and FBI San Francisco Field Offices led the investigation, assisted by Tether.