In a significant crackdown on digital deceit, the U.S. government has clamped down on a sophisticated web of cryptocurrency scams, seizing an estimated $2.5 million in virtual currency. U.S. District Court Judge Amir H. Ali sanctioned the forfeiture of these assets, which stemmed from various confidence schemes exploiting the often murky digital financial spaces. The announcement, made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, alongside officials from the Department of Justice and the FBI’s San Diego Field Office, heralds a victory for law enforcement in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.
“Whether they are in our district’s streets or hiding behind a computer screen abroad, the United States will continue to hold fraudsters and grifters responsible, seize money they scam from hardworking Americans, and use our authority to compensate victims,” U.S. Attorney Pirro stated. This case underscores a broader commitment, by U.S. law enforcement, to adapt and respond to the shifting tactics of online fraudsters.
Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy from the FBI’s San Diego Field Office detailed the emotional and financial toll these schemes have on victims, saying, “Cryptocurrency confidence schemes defraud and manipulate vulnerable victims into losing devastating amounts of money.” In an effort to restore a level of justice, the FBI encourages those who believe they might be victims of cybercrime, including cryptocurrency scams and various other frauds, to contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, as per the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Moy also emphasized the bureau’s dedication to holding such criminals accountable, “We hope today’s announcement brings a measure of justice to the victims and serves as a reminder, the FBI will hold fraudsters accountable, no matter where they are located.” The collaborative investigation brought together the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit, and the asset forfeiture team with active assistance from Tether, a company involved in the crypto industry.
The prosecutorial end of the operation was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Blaylock Jr., Kevin Rosenberg, and Trial Attorney Stefanie Schwartz, who worked jointly with Gaelin Bernstein from the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. Among the support staff, Gina Torres was recognized for providing valuable paralegal assistance in navigating these complex digital criminal networks.
