Federal Prosecutors Pursue Forfeiture of $25 Million in Crypto from Scams

Federal Prosecutors Pursue Forfeiture of $25 Million in Crypto from Scams

U.S. federal prosecutors have filed five civil forfeiture complaints seeking over $25 million in cryptocurrency, allegedly tied to a series of romance and investment scams. These scams targeted individuals primarily in the United States and Canada.

Details of the Forfeiture Cases

The complaints were submitted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, stemming from various investigations conducted by the Secret Service. Investigators traced the funds through numerous wallet addresses, which led to the freezing of cryptocurrency connected to more than 270 suspected investment scam transactions and over 200 victims of romance schemes, including several individuals from the Washington area.

Noteworthy Cases and Allegations

The two most significant cases involve approximate claims of $12.1 million linked to online romance scams and $10.4 million associated with fraudulent investment platforms. Other complaints seek amounts of $1.23 million, $2.39 million, and $285,000. In one instance, a victim lost contact with scammers after trying to withdraw money from a crypto investment account. In another case, fraudsters targeted an individual who had previously lost money, promising recovery for a fee, a tactic known as a recovery scam.

Background of the Investigations

These actions are part of the ongoing efforts of the Scam Center Strike Force, which was established in November 2025. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the task force has collectively recovered over $800 million from various scams as part of its initiatives.