CRIME

Crypto Crime Crackdown: A Major Haul

USA, San FranciscoThu Jun 19 2025
The U. S. government has made a significant move against crypto scams. They have taken control of a record amount of cryptocurrency. This money was linked to fraudulent schemes that have cheated people out of billions worldwide. These scams are often called "pig butchering. " They trick victims into thinking they are investing in real crypto projects. Instead, they lose their money to criminals operating from other countries. The U. S. Secret Service played a big role in this seizure. Shawn Bradstreet, who leads the San Francisco office, called it the largest crypto seizure in the agency's history. The seized amount is over $225 million. This money was traced back to a network of fake investment platforms. These platforms were part of a larger web of deceit. The impact of these scams is huge. More than 400 people worldwide have been affected. Dozens of these victims are from the U. S. The FBI reports that crypto fraud led to over $5. 8 billion in losses last year alone. This shows how big of a problem these scams have become. It also highlights the need for better protection for investors. Crypto scams are a growing issue. They prey on people's desire to make quick money. They use complex tactics to trick even the savviest investors. The recent seizure is a step in the right direction. It sends a clear message to criminals. Law enforcement is getting better at tracking and stopping these scams. But there is still a lot of work to be done. People need to be more careful with their investments. They should do their research and be wary of promises that sound too good to be true. The government's action is a reminder. It is important to stay informed and vigilant. This is the best way to protect oneself from falling victim to these scams.

questions

    Could the DOJ be involved in creating these scams to later seize the funds and gain more power?
    Can the DOJ teach a class on 'How Not to Get Scammed 101' using these seized funds?
    What specific evidence led the DOJ to identify the $225 million as linked to 'pig butchering' scams?

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