DOJ expands national crypto stockpile through asset seizures
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has authorized the seizure of more than $2.8 million in cryptocurrency, alongside cash and luxury assets, as part of a criminal case against alleged ransomware operator Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko.
According to an unsealed filing on Thursday, federal authorities obtained six warrants to seize the digital assets, $70,000 in cash, and a luxury vehicle. Antropenko faces charges of computer fraud and abuse, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and money laundering conspiracy.
The DOJ stated that the seized cryptocurrency and funds were tied to ransomware operations and laundered through services including ChipMixer, a crypto mixing platform dismantled in an international takedown in 2023. Antropenko allegedly converted illicit crypto into cash and deposited it using structured cash transactions to evade detection.
“The cryptocurrency and other assets are proceeds of—or were involved in laundering the proceeds of—ransomware activity,” the DOJ filing noted.
Strengthening the U.S. crypto reserve
The seizure adds to the growing U.S. government crypto stockpile, which has been expanding through asset forfeitures tied to cybercrime. Earlier this week, the DOJ announced the seizure of $1 million in crypto from the ransomware group BlackSuit, while federal officials are also pursuing $2.4 million in Bitcoin seized by the Dallas FBI in April.
As of Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the federal government holds approximately 198,012 BTC, valued at over $23 billion at Bitcoin’s market price of $117,387. The holdings primarily consist of assets confiscated in criminal cases, with victims reimbursed before assets are added to the national reserve.
Bessent emphasized that Washington has no plans to directly purchase Bitcoin, but instead will continue to pursue “budget-neutral pathways” to grow its holdings through enforcement actions.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.