The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts has initiated a civil forfeiture action to facilitate the return of $2.3 million in cryptocurrency to 37 individuals who fell prey to various online scams, including a notable “pig butchering” romance scam that defrauded a Massachusetts resident of $400,000.
Detailed Seizure from Binance Accounts
In a significant move, the cryptocurrency assets were confiscated from two Binance accounts in January 2024. This seizure came as a result of an investigation into a scam that skillfully manipulated a Massachusetts resident into transferring $400,000 to the fraudsters. These funds were then moved to wallets that investigators linked to additional victims’ assets, totaling the amount intended for restitution.
Composition of the Seized Cryptocurrency
The seized assets comprise a diverse portfolio of cryptocurrencies, including nearly 300,000 USDC, 1.5 million USDT, 102,000 TRX, 3,000 SOL, and 14,000 ADA. This comprehensive action underscores the diverse methods scammers employ to exploit victims across various platforms and currencies.
The Process of Civil Forfeiture
The civil forfeiture action serves as a critical procedure in the legal process that permits third parties to claim their stakes in the seized property. This step is necessary to ensure that the funds can be rightfully returned to the victims, marking a pivotal moment in their recovery from financial exploitation.
Broader Efforts Against Online Fraud
This action by the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office aligns with a broader federal initiative to combat online fraud and return stolen funds to victims. Notably, it follows the recent seizure of $1.4 million in Tether by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, connected to a tech support scam targeting elderly individuals. These efforts highlight the increasing focus on utilizing legal avenues to address and mitigate the impact of online financial scams and ensure justice for victims.
