WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, in collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office, announced significant developments today in the fight against cryptocurrency-related fraud. Investigations conducted by the Cyber Fraud Task Force have led to the seizure of over $25 million in cryptocurrency linked to international fraud schemes targeting residents in both the United States and Canada. This operation is part of a larger initiative known as the Scam Center Strike Force, which has recovered over $800 million since its launch in November 2025 by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
U.S. Attorney Pirro emphasized the importance of these seizures, stating, “This $25 million seizure is a direct result of the Scam Center Strike Force I launched… It demonstrates the power of aggressively targeting these international fraud networks.” She highlighted the role of investigators in unraveling complex laundering schemes and protecting victims from financial losses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed five civil forfeiture complaints in U.S. District Court on July 21, seeking the forfeiture of the seized cryptocurrency, which was recovered during separate fraud investigations by Secret Service agents.
Special Agent in Charge Tara McLeese of the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office praised the dedication of her team, calling them “among the best in the world at tracking down cyber criminals.” She encouraged potential victims of these scams to come forward and report their experiences. The investigations have revealed thousands of victims worldwide who were deceived into believing they were making legitimate investments in cryptocurrency.
The investigations included several notable cases: One involved a network of virtual currency wallet addresses flagged by Canadian authorities, leading to the freezing of accounts linked to fraudulent investment platforms and a seizure of approximately $10.4 million. Another investigation, alerted by a private sector partner, uncovered over 200 victims of online romance scams, with a seizure amounting to approximately $12.1 million. Local residents in the National Capital Region also reported fraudulent schemes, prompting further investigations and additional seizures.
As these investigations continue, local residents in Washington, D.C., especially in neighborhoods prone to financial scams, are urged to remain vigilant. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Secret Service remain committed to dismantling these criminal operations and bringing those responsible to justice.
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