The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved to seize over $25 million in crypto linked to an international fraud network targeting US and Canadian citizens.
The seizure is the latest crackdown by federal authorities on cryptocurrencies linked to cross-border financial crimes.
US Justice Department Files Civil Forfeiture Complaints
The US Attorneyโs Office for the District of Columbia has filed civil forfeiture complaints for the seizure of $25 million in cryptocurrency linked to a fraud network targeting US and Canadian citizens. According to a statement by the Attorneyโs Office, investigators with the Cyber Fraud Task Force identified several money laundering operations.
These networks targeted thousands of unsuspecting victims who were tricked into believing they were making legitimate investments in crypto.
However, neither investigating officials nor the Department of Justice have disclosed details about the fraud or its perpetrators.
Multiple Fraud Investigations
The statement shares details about investigations into multiple laundering rings. The first investigation began in 2024 and traced over 270 transactions. Authorities are seeking the forfeiture of around $10.4 million.
The next investigation was into an online romance scheme. Over 200 individuals fell victim to the scheme, with the authorities seeking $12.1 million. Other investigations reported in March 2026 and May 2026 seek $2.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively. A fifth investigation into a fee-based recovery fraud is seeking $285,000.
The statement also disclosed that the money launderers were located in Southeast Asia, primarily in China, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
A Broader Effort
The investigations are part of a broader effort under the Scam Center Strike Force, an initiative launched by US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro in 2025. The initiative has recovered over $800 million from international fraud networks. Attorney Pirro lauded the achievement, stating,
โThis $25 million seizure is a direct result of the Scam Center Strike Force I launched in November 2025, and it demonstrates the power of aggressively targeting these international fraud networks. Our investigators cut through complex laundering schemes, protected victims, and shut down criminal pipelines.โ
The Scam Center Strike Force initiative uses blockchain analytics and international cooperation to identify, track, and freeze illicit crypto assets. The DOJโs actions could soothe concerns around rising crypto fraud. They also indicate a regulatory environment prioritizing asset recovery and consumer protection.
The next challenge is that of proving ownership of the seized assets. How the government and the Department of Justice handle the seizure could set a precedent for the future.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
