FBI Creates Crypto Token to Expose Fraud — Seizes $25M in Cryptocurrency, Charges 18

Eighteen individuals and entities have been charged with fraud and market manipulation in the cryptocurrency industry. The charges involve deceptive practices such as wash trading and pump-and-dump schemes that inflated token prices, resulting in the seizure of $25 million in cryptocurrency. As part of “Operation Token Mirrors,” the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) created a … Read more

New York Man Pleads Guilty in Crypto-Fueled $25M Money Laundering Case

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI announced on Friday that Yanbing Chen, a 30-year-old from Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded guilty to his involvement in an international money laundering and drug trafficking conspiracy. The organization, led by Jin Hua Zhang of Staten Island, laundered over $25 million in drug proceeds and illegal funds. Chen delivered $50,000 … Read more

DOJ Charges 21-Year-Old in $37M Cyber Intrusion and Crypto Heist

A 21-year-old from Indiana has pleaded guilty to cyber intrusion and cryptocurrency theft in a massive scheme targeting hundreds of victims. His actions involved stealing personal data and cryptocurrency worth over $37 million, with law enforcement crediting significant investigative efforts for his capture. FBI Cracks Global Cryptocurrency Theft Network The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) … Read more

FBI Seizes $6M in Crypto From Southeast Asian Scammers

U.S. authorities have seized over $6 million worth of cryptocurrency linked to a fraudulent investment scheme organized by Southeast Asian criminals. Targeting U.S. individuals, the criminals manipulated victims through fake cryptocurrency platforms. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recovered the funds using blockchain tracing. DOJ Seizes $6 Million in … Read more

Crypto Platform CEO Arrested for Allegedly Paying Deputies in Extortion Scheme

Crypto platform Zort’s CEO has been arrested on multiple charges. Allegations against Iza include paying large sums to Los Angeles County deputies for illegal activities, such as unlawful searches, extortion schemes, and even a failed kidnapping attempt. “Iza boasted about paying ‘active duty’ law enforcement $280,000 per month,” according to the authorities. Crypto Platform CEO … Read more

FBI Warns of Growing ‘Pig Butchering’ Crypto Schemes in Maryland

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore office has issued a warning about the increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency investment fraud in Maryland. Known as “pig butchering,” scammers trick victims into fake crypto investments, leading to massive financial losses. FBI Warns of Surge in Cryptocurrency Investment Scams in Maryland The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore … Read more

US Sentences Nigerian Darknet Fraud Leader to Five Years in Prison for $6M Scheme

A Nigerian national has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a massive darknet fraud scheme that intended to cause over $6 million in losses, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Using various online aliases, Kaura led a global network selling stolen payment card data, using cryptocurrencies like … Read more

Seattle Airport Hit by $6M Bitcoin Ransom Demand After Cyberattack

Hackers have targeted Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a ransomware attack, demanding 100 bitcoins to buy the data back. Although the airport managed to fend off most of the damage, the attackers encrypted some data and posted stolen files on the dark web. Now, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is involved, and the airport refuses … Read more

FBI Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Network Using Fake Crypto

A Denver resident has been convicted of running an illegal gambling business involving several parlors across Colorado. The scheme involved electronic games and a fake cryptocurrency to conceal the exchange of credits for cash, revealing fraud and money laundering. The only function of this crypto “was to be exchanged for cash at an ATM-like ‘cryptocurrency … Read more