FBI Agent Charged with Stealing Approximately $1 Million in Crypto Assets, Reportedly Used ChatGPT to Plan Fund Usage and Departure from the U.S.

Odaily News: FBI agent Patrick Yaroch was arrested last Friday for allegedly stealing approximately $1 million in crypto assets from a "hostile crypto account." According to an affidavit filed on August 1, Yaroch is suspected of transferring the assets starting around late 2024 or early 2025.

Yaroch told investigators that he discovered certain keys that allowed him to transfer funds from digital wallets to himself. He claimed he was frustrated by his inability to further prevent individuals associated with "hostile nations" from using cryptocurrency, and conducted approximately a dozen transfers.

Department of Justice documents show that Yaroch admitted to a DOJ employee that he had "made some very bad decisions" regarding crypto wallet issues. In another interview with federal agents, he also admitted that he had "screwed up."

Yaroch previously served as a supervisory special agent in the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division at headquarters, and earlier worked at the FBI's Boston field office. The FBI terminated his employment on July 31.

The investigation also alleges that Yaroch mixed personal funds with crypto assets and used ChatGPT to ask how to handle the funds, including how to spend or invest $1 million, and whether to leave the U.S. for a European country.