Federal authorities have recovered nearly $2 million in connection with a cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced. The funds are being returned to the victim following a civil asset forfeiture process.
Court documents show that the scam began when perpetrators contacted the victim through an unsolicited text message about visiting Central Park. The perpetrators built trust over time and persuaded the victim to invest in cryptocurrency using a fake website designed to look like a legitimate investment platform. The site falsely indicated that the investments were generating significant profits. When the victim tried to withdraw money, the scammers demanded additional payments, claiming taxes were owed on supposed gains, but ultimately prevented any withdrawals and kept all funds.
After obtaining the victim's money, those involved laundered it by moving it through multiple transactions and converting it into different cryptocurrencies.
In December 2024, law enforcement—including the FBI and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office—seized just under $2 million from three cryptocurrency wallets linked to the case. Federal prosecutors then filed a civil forfeiture complaint in U.S. District Court against these assets. The court ordered that the funds be forfeited, enabling their return to the victim.
“Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division; and Michael L. Chapman, Loudoun County Sheriff, made the announcement.”
The investigation was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annie Zanobini.
Further details can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or by searching for Case No. 1:25-cv-559 on PACER or through related court documents at the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
