US Seeks to Declare $2.4M Bitcoin Seized from Chaos Ransomware Group

America has filed a civil forfeiture grievance looking for to assert over $2.4 million value of Bitcoin seized from the Chaos ransomware group, including to the escalating collection of cryptocurrency seizures which have netted billions in digital belongings from cybercriminals worldwide.

The Northern District of Texas grievance targets 20.29 Bitcoin seized on April 15, 2025, from a cryptocurrency deal with allegedly linked to a Chaos ransomware member referred to as “Hors.”

The seized cryptocurrency was traced via blockchain evaluation to ransomware assaults in opposition to victims in Texas and different areas.

From The Dallas FBI to The US Authorities

The Dallas FBI executed the seizure as a part of ongoing efforts to fight ransomware operations which have more and more relied on cryptocurrency for funds and cash laundering.

The grievance alleges that the Bitcoin constitutes proceeds from illegal actions, together with extortion and pc injury.

The motion comes amid large legislation enforcement success in monitoring and seizing cryptocurrency linked to cybercrime.

Federal companies have recovered billions in digital belongings from ransomware teams, darkish net marketplaces, and worldwide fraud networks over the previous yr.

Latest main seizures embody $225.3 million in USDT tied to pig butchering funding scams, $31 million from the 2021 Uranium Finance hack, and $24 million from Russian nationwide Rustam Gallyamov linked to Qakbot malware operations.

The DOJ has indicated that seized cryptocurrency belongings might contribute to President Trump’s proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve somewhat than being offered at public sale.

International Enforcement Surge Targets Billion-Greenback Crypto Crime Networks

Legislation enforcement companies have achieved important success in dismantling cryptocurrency-based legal enterprises, with worldwide operations ensuing within the seizure of billions of {dollars}’ value of digital belongings.

Operation SpecTor alone focused darkish net drug markets, leading to 270 arrests and confiscation of over two metric tons of medicine alongside $200 million in cryptocurrency throughout 9 nations.

In February, the DOJ seized $31 million in cryptocurrency linked to the 2021 Uranium Finance hack, following practically 4 years of investigation.

The restoration adopted coordinated efforts with Homeland Safety Investigations to hint funds laundered via Twister Money mixers and cross-chain bridges.

Equally, in Could, federal prosecutors charged Rustam Gallyamov, a Russian nationwide accused of creating Qakbot malware since 2008, with seizing over $24 million in Bitcoin and stablecoins.

The malware contaminated hundreds of computer systems worldwide, creating botnets used for ransomware deployment by teams together with REvil, Conti, and Black Basta.

Most not too long ago, the BidenCash darkish net market generated $17 million in income by promoting over 15 million stolen bank cards earlier than authorities seized 145 related domains.

The operation led by the US Secret Service and the FBI concerned worldwide companions, together with the Dutch Nationwide Police.

Worldwide cooperation has expanded enforcement attain, with authorities in 9 nations collaborating in main takedowns.

South Korean prosecutors not too long ago seized $3.2 million value of Ethereum from fraud rings utilizing abroad fee platforms to evade detection.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Plans Remodel Seized Asset Coverage

President Trump’s govt order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has essentially altered the federal government’s method to seized cryptocurrency belongings.

The reserve will make the most of roughly 200,000 Bitcoin beforehand confiscated via legislation enforcement operations somewhat than promoting belongings at public sale.

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan argues the reserve eliminates the ultimate existential risk to Bitcoin by eradicating fears of presidency prohibition.

The coverage shift means future seizures might contribute to nationwide cryptocurrency holdings somewhat than producing instant income via gross sales.

Beforehand, the DOJ obtained approval to promote 69,370 Bitcoins, value roughly $6.5 billion, seized from the Silk Street. Nonetheless, the brand new administration’s reserve coverage might redirect such belongings.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are exploring budget-neutral acquisition methods utilizing surplus funds.

Roughly 103,500 Bitcoins are anticipated to stay in long-term authorities custody, whereas 94,636 Bitcoins from the Bitfinex hack will likely be returned to the victims of the crime.

The reserve construction offers a framework for managing future cryptocurrency seizures from ongoing enforcement operations.

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