The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has recovered nearly $2 million through civil asset forfeiture in connection with a cryptocurrency investment fraud case. The funds, totaling $1,971,399.80, were obtained from three cryptocurrency wallets and are being returned to the victim.
Court documents show that the scheme began when perpetrators contacted the victim via an unsolicited text message referencing Central Park. The scammers developed a relationship with the victim and encouraged them to invest in cryptocurrency using a fraudulent website designed to resemble a legitimate investment platform. The site falsely reported substantial gains on investments and, when the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the perpetrators demanded additional payments under false pretenses such as taxes on profits. Ultimately, no withdrawals were allowed and all invested money was stolen.
After acquiring the funds, those responsible moved them through several complex transactions and quickly exchanged one type of cryptocurrency for another to obscure their origin.
In December 2024, authorities including the FBI and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office seized almost $2 million from multiple cryptocurrency wallets. A civil forfeiture complaint was then filed in U.S. District Court for these assets. The court ordered forfeiture of the funds so they could be returned to the victim.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division; and Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff, jointly announced this development.
“The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annie Zanobini.”
A copy of this press release is available on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Additional related court documents can be found on either that website or through PACER by searching Case No. 1:25-cv-559.
