What did US authorities seize?

US authorities seized more than US$2.4 million in cryptocurrency linked to fraud and money laundering networks in Asia.

What is a pig butchering scam?

A pig butchering scam is an investment fraud where criminals build trust before convincing victims to send money to fake crypto platforms.

How did investigators trace the funds?

Authorities followed blockchain transactions to identify wallets connected to the criminal networks.

Why was the cryptocurrency seized?

Investigators said the assets were linked to proceeds from investment scams and money laundering activities.

Why is this seizure important?

The case shows that law enforcement agencies can trace blockchain transactions and recover cryptocurrency tied to organised crime.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

US seizes $2.4M in crypto from scam networks

Written by Jon CuthbertPublished Jul 22, 2026, 5:23 AM

US authorities seized more than US$2.4 million in cryptocurrency linked to Asian scam networks.
Investigators said the funds came from investment fraud and money laundering schemes.
The seizure forms part of a broader crackdown on transnational crypto crime.

US authorities have seized more than US$2.4 million in cryptocurrency tied to scam networks operating across Southeast Asia, according to the Department of Justice.

Investigators said the funds were linked to investment fraud, commonly known as "pig butchering" scams, where victims are tricked into sending money to fake crypto platforms.

The Department of Justice said the seized assets were traced through blockchain transactions before being connected to accounts controlled by criminal organisations operating from the region.

The seizure is part of a wider effort to disrupt crypto-enabled financial crime, and no share price reaction was available because the action involved law enforcement rather than a listed company.

Pig butchering scams often begin with messages on social media or dating apps before scammers build trust and persuade victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.

US authorities have increased cooperation with international partners in recent years as organised crime groups continue using digital assets to move and hide illicit funds.