The Washington, D.C., Attorney General is suing Bitcoin ATM operator Athena, alleging it profited from financial fraud.

According to Odaily Planet Daily, Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwab filed a lawsuit against Bitcoin ATM operator Athena Bitcoin, Inc. on September 8, 2025, accusing the company of illegally profiting from financial scams targeting the elderly and vulnerable. An investigation revealed that 93% of deposits at Athena's Bitcoin ATMs in the District were directly related to fraud, with the median victim age being 71. The company was accused of charging hidden transaction fees as high as 26% (well above the industry standard of 0.24%-3%) and implementing a strict "no refund" policy for victims of the scam. The Attorney General's Office is demanding that Athena comply with the law, provide restitution to victims, and accept penalties.