Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
Federal authorities in Ohio have initiated a civil forfeiture action involving cryptocurrency that was allegedly obtained through an investment scam targeting two siblings from Trumbull County. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio filed the complaint on August 27, 2025, seeking to recover 325,060 Tether (USDT) tokens, valued at about $325,060.
Court documents reveal that the fraud began when an elderly man from Bristolville received a text message from an unknown number searching for someone named “Zach.” After responding, he developed a relationship with the sender, who identified herself as “Shaw Goddess” on Telegram and presented herself as a successful investor. She persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrencies.
The victim opened accounts with Crypto.com and Strike.com to purchase cryptocurrency after being instructed by the scammer. He ultimately transferred over $1 million into these accounts before moving his assets to what turned out to be a fraudulent investment platform. His sister was also convinced to invest more than $600,000.
Attempts by both siblings to withdraw their funds were unsuccessful. The victim was told his funds were locked, while his sister was informed she needed to pay a 10% tax upfront before accessing her money. These events raised suspicions and led them to realize they had been defrauded.
Investigators used blockchain analysis—a process that leverages the public ledger technology underlying many cryptocurrencies—to trace approximately $200,000 of stolen funds to an address on the Tron blockchain. The funds had been converted into Tether (USDT). On December 31, 2024, Tether Limited froze the tokens at this address; later, following a federal seizure warrant issued in March 2025, the tokens were moved to a law enforcement-controlled wallet.
The forfeiture complaint alleges that not only are the victims’ traceable losses subject to recovery but also additional funds at the same address believed connected to other fraudulent activities and possible money laundering violations.
“The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. The United States must prove the claims by a preponderance of evidence.”
“If successful in this forfeiture action, the United States would seek to return the stolen funds to the victims.”
The FBI Cleveland Division is continuing its investigation into this case and related cryptocurrency scams affecting victims across the country. Assistant United States Attorney James L. Morford is leading prosecution efforts for Northern Ohio.
Resources for reporting elder fraud include contacting the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or visiting IC3.gov.
