The U.S. Department of Justice has recovered $7 million in stolen money from a cryptocurrency scam and is urging victims to apply for payment.

Odaily News The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on March 21 that $7 million in proceeds from a cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme had been recovered, and is now inviting victims to submit petitions to repatriate their funds. “These fraudulent websites mimicked legitimate cryptocurrency investment platforms, but sent victims’ funds to the perpetrators through more than 75 bank accounts opened in the names of shell companies,” authorities said. Victims were misled into believing that the value of their investments was increasing, but in reality, the proceeds were fabricated.
After laundering the money through a complex series of domestic and international transactions, the perpetrators ultimately moved the funds overseas. In June 2023, the U.S. Secret Service seized funds from a foreign bank account, prompting the Department of Justice to file a civil forfeiture lawsuit. After the foreign bank filed a claim, the two parties reached a settlement that resulted in $7 million being forfeited to the United States. (News.bitcoin)