U.S. government takes $2.8 million in cryptocurrency from alleged ransomware operator

Massive Seizure of Digital Assets

The U.S. Justice Department has announced the seizure of more than $2.8 million in cryptocurrency in a major case linked to ransomware activity. Authorities said that the digital assets were found inside a crypto wallet used to move and hide the profits of cybercrime.

Officials also seized about $70,000 in cash and a luxury car. They carried out these seizures under six warrants. The warrants showed that the money, crypto, and car were linked to illegal ransomware operations.

Ransomware is a cyberattack where hackers lock a victim’s computer system. They then demand money to unlock it. Hackers often take payment in cryptocurrency because it is harder to trace. The Justice Department said the seized funds came from these crimes or were used for money laundering linked to ransomware.

Laundering Through Crypto Mixing Services

The investigation showed how the seized cryptocurrency was moved to look legitimate. Authorities said some of the funds went through a crypto mixing service called ChipMixer. A mixing service shuffles cryptocurrency from many users. This makes it very hard to track where the money first came from.

How Cyber Attacks on Industrial Control Systems Can Endanger Lives ?

An international operation shut down ChipMixer in 2023. Before that, criminals used it often to hide their ransomware money. The Justice Department said the suspect also turned some of the cryptocurrency into cash. He then put the cash into banks in small amounts to avoid detection. This method is called “structuring.”

These laundering methods are not new. Criminal groups move money between crypto wallets. They change digital assets into cash. They also use mixing services to hide their tracks. But this case shows that law enforcement is watching closely. Agencies are taking action when they find links to ransomware crimes.

US Crypto Stockpile Grows with Seizures

This seizure comes at a time when the U.S. government is increasingly adding to its national cryptocurrency reserve. The stockpile, created under an executive order, is built from assets that were originally taken from criminals in different cases.

Earlier this week, the Justice Department also announced another seizure of about $1 million in cryptocurrency from a ransomware group known as BlackSuit. In April, federal officials also moved to claim $2.4 million in Bitcoin that had been seized by the FBI in Dallas.

Cyberattack Catastrophe: How Hackers Can Endanger Human Lives ?

U.S. Treasury officials confirmed that the government’s Bitcoin holdings come only from these types of seizures. They clarified that the government is not directly buying Bitcoin from the market. Instead, it builds its reserve through confiscated assets, which are added after victims of crimes are compensated.

As of Thursday, the value of the government’s Bitcoin stockpile was estimated to be around $20 billion. Based on current prices, this represents nearly 198,012 BTC, worth more than $23 billion.

The continued actions against ransomware operators show how cryptocurrency tied to illegal activities is being pursued and recovered. Each seizure not only weakens the financial base of cybercriminals but also adds to the United States’ growing reserve of digital assets.

Renuka Bangale
Renuka Bangale
Renuka is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and a Certified Digital Threats Analyst from Riskpro, renowned for her expertise in cybersecurity. With a deep understanding of cybercrimes, malware, cyber warfare, and espionage, she has established herself as an authority in the field. Renuka combines her financial acumen with advanced knowledge of digital threats to provide unparalleled insights into the evolving landscape of information security. Her analytical prowess enables her to dissect complex cyber incidents, offering clarity on risks and mitigation strategies. As a key contributor to Newsinterpretation’s information security category, Renuka delivers authoritative articles that educate and inform readers about emerging threats and best practices.

TOP 10 TRENDING ON NEWSINTERPRETATION

Kristi Noem Accused of Rushing Millions to Florida Pier Near Rumored Lover’s Home

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces serious questions. A...

Ian Calderon moves to address cost of living crisis in bid to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor

A Millennial Candidate Steps Forward Former California State Assembly Majority...

Harrods Issues Urgent Warning After Customer Data Stolen in IT Breach

Personal details exposed in breach at third-party system Luxury department...

Shock in royal drama world—Dormer rejects promotion of Ferguson series, gives pay to child abuse charities

Actress Refuses Promotion and Donates Salary Actress Natalie Dormer has...

Trump plays Amelia Earhart records declassification card while Epstein scandal shadows his every move

President Donald Trump has announced that he will declassify...

London in shock—Russia-linked hackers steal personal data of 8,000 children from nursery chain

A major cyberattack has hit nurseries across London, leaving...

Bernie Sanders warns AI push by Musk Zuckerberg and Altman focuses on wealth not public benefit

Senator Bernie Sanders Criticizes Tech Giants Over AI Push Senator...

FBI uncovers ‘terrorize ICE’ note, but Joshua Jahn’s family disputes anti-ICE narrative

On September 24, 2025, Joshua Jahn, a 29-year-old from...

Leaked emails expose Epstein’s $54M legal war chest — Dershowitz, Starr, Lefkowitz among defenders

Newly obtained private emails show the support and guidance...

Hackers tied to Rhysida gang demand 3.4 million ransom after Maryland Transit Administration breach

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has been hit by...

Kristi Noem Accused of Rushing Millions to Florida Pier Near Rumored Lover’s Home

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces serious questions. A...

Ian Calderon moves to address cost of living crisis in bid to succeed Gavin Newsom as governor

A Millennial Candidate Steps Forward Former California State Assembly Majority...

Harrods Issues Urgent Warning After Customer Data Stolen in IT Breach

Personal details exposed in breach at third-party system Luxury department...

Bernie Sanders warns AI push by Musk Zuckerberg and Altman focuses on wealth not public benefit

Senator Bernie Sanders Criticizes Tech Giants Over AI Push Senator...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

error: Content is protected !!