The U.S. Secret Service in New York has seized a second web domain related to a cryptocurrency fraud scheme known as "pig butchering." The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Jeffrey Burr, Special Agent in Charge at the Buffalo Field Office of the Secret Service.
Pig butchering schemes involve scammers contacting victims, often through dating apps, social media, or misdirected text messages. They build relationships to earn victims' trust and later suggest a cryptocurrency investment. Victims are directed to fraudulent platforms where they invest money that scammers eventually steal, often leaving them with significant financial losses.
Court records show that from November 2023 to March 2024, scammers persuaded a Warren County victim to transfer funds to the domain NFT-UNI.com, now seized. They made victims believe they were making a legitimate investment. After receiving investments through the domain, scammers quickly moved the funds through numerous accounts, concealing their origin. The reported losses from this scam amount to approximately $172,405.61 for one victim and about $4,564,936.47 for others.
In May 2024, the domain OKEX-NFT.net was also seized in a similar scheme in Warren County. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “by seizing this website, we are able to strike a blow to a criminal organization that financially victimized numerous individuals, including a member of our community and senior citizens around the country.”
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Conger and Alexander Wentworth-Ping. For more details, related documents can be found on the online docket for the District Court for the Northern District of New York at www.pacer.gov under Case No. 1:25-SW-78 (PJE).
Individuals who believe they may be victims are encouraged to contact CryptoFraud@SecretService.gov or IC3.gov to report their case. Detailed information such as investment websites, contact details, and transaction data should be included in the reports.
This case aligns with the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative, which aims to combat elder abuse and financial fraud. Allegations of attempted fraud involving elders can be reported to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.
