DOJ Charges 12 More Defendants in $263M Crypto Heists

The DOJ unsealed an indictment against 12 individuals for stealing $263M in crypto using sophisticated cybercriminal tactics, including hacking, social engineering, and laundering stolen funds through mixers and fake identities.
What’s the Scoop?
- Extensive Crypto Theft: The DOJ indicted 12 individuals, both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, for their roles in a racketeering enterprise that stole $263 million worth of cryptocurrency through hacking, social engineering, and direct theft of hardware wallets.
- Sophisticated Laundering: Defendants used mixers, peel chains, and shell companies to launder stolen funds, showcasing increasing sophistication in crypto-related crimes.
- Extravagant Spending: The stolen funds were used for luxury goods, including exotic cars, watches, private jet rentals, and real estate in high-end cities, drawing attention to reckless spending habits within criminal groups.