US authorities have seized more than $25 million in cryptocurrency linked to international fraud networks that targeted victims in the US and Canada. The seizures, announced this week, are part of a broader crackdown that has recovered over $800 million. Five forfeiture complaints were filed in federal court on July 21.
The Scam Center Strike Force
US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro launched the Scam Center Strike Force in November 2025. This seizure is the latest result of that initiative. The Strike Force coordinates federal, state, and local resources to go after fraudsters who use crypto to launder money from scams. The $25 million haul adds to a growing tally.
Romance scams and fake investment platforms
Two of the five cases stand out for their scale. One investigation uncovered over 200 victims defrauded through online romance scams. The scammers convinced victims to send roughly $12 million in crypto. Another probe traced more than 270 suspected victim transactions tied to fraudulent investment platforms. That case seeks about $10.4 million. IP addresses in both investigations pointed to China, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
A fifth case: recovery scams
The fifth case shows how fraudsters double down. Scammers contacted a prior fraud victim and promised to recover their lost money. They sought about $285,000. It's a common tactic — targeting people who've already been burned. The complaint seeks forfeiture of that crypto.
Broader crackdown
This isn't the first big move this year. In April, the DOJ restrained more than $700 million in crypto allegedly tied to money laundering from crypto scams. The $25 million seizure is smaller but shows the Strike Force is still active. The five complaints are now in federal court. The investigations remain ongoing.
