The U.S. Department of Justice seized 32.68 BTC in suspected fraud schemes, and victims may receive compensation

U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced that victims of a business email compromise scheme may be compensated after losing millions of dollars to fraud. In December 2023, a company engaged in real estate transactions reported that its systems had been compromised and scammers stole more than $1 million by submitting false wire transfer instructions. The investigation revealed that at least ten other businesses or individuals were victims, with amounts ranging from $75,000 to $425,000. The proceeds of the fraud were laundered through multiple bank accounts and then consolidated into a cryptocurrency wallet controlled by the Nigerian scammers. Law enforcement quickly took action and seized approximately 32.68 BTC from the cryptocurrency wallet in question, worth approximately $900,000 at the time. The U.S. Attorney's Office subsequently filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit for the seized BTC, which has more than tripled in value since the seizure, making it possible for all ten victims who filed claims to be compensated.