What is the Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force?

The proposed Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force would be a multi-agency group designed to coordinate investigations into crypto theft, fraud and hacking cases. It would serve as a central point of contact for victims and law enforcement agencies across the United States.

Why are US lawmakers proposing a crypto theft task force?

Supporters argue that crypto-related crime investigations are often fragmented across federal, state and local agencies. The task force aims to improve coordination, speed up investigations and increase the chances of recovering stolen digital assets.

What types of crypto crimes would the task force investigate?

The proposed group would focus on cryptocurrency theft resulting from hacking, fraud, scams and other criminal activities. This includes major threats such as pig-butchering scams, ransomware attacks and organised cybercrime operations.

How much crypto is lost to theft and scams each year?

According to supporters of the bill, crypto users lost approximately $11 billion to theft and scams last year. These losses have become a major concern for regulators, lawmakers and industry participants.

How would the task force help crypto theft victims?

Lawmakers say victims often struggle to identify which agency can help recover stolen assets. The task force would provide a single federal point of contact to coordinate investigations and guide victims through the reporting process.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

US lawmakers push crypto theft task force

Q: Which government agencies would be involved?

The task force would be led by the US attorney general and include the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and Treasury Department, among other agencies.

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished Jun 12, 2026, 1:15 AM

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced legislation that would create a federal task force to coordinate investigations into cryptocurrency theft, fraud and hacking incidents.

The proposed Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force would be led by the US attorney general and include participation from the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and Treasury Department.

“Crypto criminals are stealing billions from Americans, and Washington lacks a coordinated strategy to stop them,”

Said Representative Lance Gooden, a Republican member of the House Judiciary Committee.

The legislation is sponsored by Gooden and Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat serving on the House Financial Services Committee, reflecting bipartisan support for stronger enforcement against crypto-related crime.

Supporters of the bill argue that victims often face a fragmented response across federal, state and local agencies, making investigations and asset recovery more difficult.

Gottheimer said victims currently have “nowhere to turn,” adding that the proposal would create a single federal point of contact for cryptocurrency theft cases.

The initiative follows previous government efforts including the Joint Ransomware Task Force established in 2021 and the Treasury Department’s Scam Center Strike Force, which has reported seizing more than $700 million in cryptocurrency tied to overseas fraud schemes.

The legislation must still advance through Congress before becoming law, with industry groups including the Digital Chamber backing the proposal as a way to improve coordination, victim support and enforcement capabilities across government agencies.