US prosecutors are moving to seize $25 million in cryptocurrency tied to international fraud and money laundering rings. The forfeiture action, filed this week, is part of a broader Department of Justice push against digital asset crime that has picked up steam in 2026.
What the filing says
The government's complaint targets crypto assets allegedly connected to networks that moved illicit funds across borders. Prosecutors argue the money came from schemes that defrauded victims overseas and then laundered the proceeds through exchanges and mixers. The exact cryptocurrencies involved weren't specified in the filing, but the total value sits at $25 million.
This isn't a criminal indictment — it's a civil forfeiture action. That means the government doesn't need to convict anyone to take the assets. It just has to show, by a preponderance of evidence, that the funds are linked to crime. The owners of the crypto can contest the seizure in court.
Part of a bigger push
The DOJ has been ramping up its focus on crypto-related crime all year. This case is one of several high-value forfeiture actions the department has brought in 2026. The agency's task forces on cyber and financial crime have been coordinating with international partners to trace blockchain transactions and identify bad actors.
Prosecutors have also been pushing for clearer rules around crypto custody and reporting. The message from Washington is consistent: digital assets aren't beyond the reach of law enforcement.
What happens next
The government will have to prove in court that the $25 million is indeed tied to fraud or money laundering. A judge will weigh the evidence. If the forfeiture is granted, the funds would go to the US Treasury's asset forfeiture fund, which supports law enforcement operations.
No hearing date has been set yet. The case is pending in federal court. For now, the crypto remains frozen under a restraining order obtained by prosecutors.
