The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon reported collections exceeding $20.2 million from civil and criminal actions in Fiscal Year 2025, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Nearly $15 million was obtained through criminal actions, while over $5.2 million came from civil cases. Funds forfeited during these actions are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and used to compensate crime victims and support law enforcement activities.
Bradford stated, “The District of Oregon’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit provides critical support to victims of crime by holding those who profit from criminal conduct accountable and pursuing civil recoveries.” He added, “We take seriously our obligation to make victims as financially whole as possible. Our annual collections reflect the dedication, persistence, and resolve of our team in the pursuit of justice.”
One case highlighted involved Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, who were ordered to pay more than $33 million in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related to wire fraud and money laundering. The government has recovered over $4.5 million so far by seizing assets such as homes, vehicles, luxury items, real properties, and financial accounts.
Another example cited was Michael James Defrees, convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Although Defrees initially agreed to pay restitution before sentencing but did not do so, authorities secured payment by seizing vehicles, sports equipment, a racing boat with trailer, and facilitating the sale of two real estate parcels.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide are tasked with enforcing judgments for both civil debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. Under federal law, certain offenders must pay restitution directly to their victims if there is physical injury or financial loss; other fines contribute to the Crime Victims Fund for victim compensation programs at both state and federal levels.
Scott Bradford previously held positions including Chief of the White Collar Unit and Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section before becoming U.S. Attorney for Oregon (official website). The office engages in community outreach efforts across Oregon (official website) with locations in Portland, Eugene, and Medford (official website). As one among 93 such offices nationwide under the Department of Justice (official website), it employs 107 staff members (official website) working toward representing U.S interests in legal matters while building trust in the federal judicial system (official website).
