FBI agent accused of $1M crypto theft
- Former FBI agent Patrick Yaroch allegedly stole about US$1 million in cryptocurrency using private wallet keys.
- Investigators said Yaroch mixed the crypto with personal funds and asked ChatGPT about investing US$1 million.
- Authorities arrested Yaroch after discovering he had booked a September 3 flight to Portugal.
Former FBI supervisory agent Patrick Yaroch allegedly stole about US$1 million in cryptocurrency through roughly a dozen transfers.
Prosecutors allege Yaroch accessed digital wallets using private keys and transferred the assets for personal benefit.
Yaroch told a Justice Department employee he had made “some very poor decisions related to cryptocurrency wallets.”
Investigators said Yaroch mixed the disputed cryptocurrency with personal funds and asked ChatGPT about investing US$1 million and moving abroad.
Authorities found Yaroch had booked a September 3 flight to Portugal, although the filing does not establish ChatGPT knew about the alleged theft.
The FBI fired Yaroch on July 31, before authorities charged him with offences involving stolen goods, securities and money.
The charges remain allegations, and Yaroch has not been convicted of the offences described in the court filing.