US Moves to Seize $25 Million in Crypto Linked to International Fraud Networks

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed forfeiture actions to recover more than $25 million in crypto tied to five separate fraud investigations affecting victims in the United States and Canada. The funds were traced through coordinated efforts by federal investigators targeting global scam operations.

Investigations Span Multiple Fraud Schemes

Secret Service agents working with a cyber fraud task force uncovered laundering networks connected to thousands of victims worldwide who believed they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. One case, flagged by Canadian authorities, involved over 270 suspicious transactions and seeks roughly $10.4 million. Another, tied to online romance scams affecting more than 200 people, seeks about $12.1 million. Three additional cases target smaller amounts linked to victims in the Washington D.C. area and a recovery fraud scheme.

Southeast Asia Emerges as Common Link

Investigators found that individuals behind the laundering operations were largely based in Southeast Asia, with digital activity traced to China, Malaysia, and Cambodia.

Part of a Larger Crackdown

Officials said the recovered funds add to more than $800 million seized since a dedicated task force targeting scam networks launched in late 2025, calling the results proof that sustained pressure on these operations is working.