US Authorities Seize Over $2.8 Million in Crypto from Ransomware Operator
The US Department of Justice has approved the seizure of over $2.8 million in cryptocurrency, along with cash and other assets, as part of a criminal case against a suspected ransomware operator. 
According to a statement released on Thursday, six arrest warrants were approved, allowing the seizure of $2.8 million in crypto from a wallet controlled by Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, as well as $70,000 in cash and a luxury vehicle. Antropenko has been accused of committing computer fraud and abuse, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Investigation and Seizure
As stated in the arrest warrants, the cryptocurrency and other assets are believed to be the proceeds of ransomware activities or were involved in money laundering. The assets were allegedly laundered through various means, including the use of the ChipMixer cryptocurrency service, which was shut down in a coordinated international operation in 2023. Antropenko also allegedly laundered cryptocurrency by exchanging it for cash and depositing the money in structured payments.
The seizure is the latest action taken by the US government involving cryptocurrency, following the establishment of a national cryptocurrency enforcement team by US President Donald Trump in March. On Monday, the Department of Justice announced that the Ransomware Group Blacksuit had confiscated around $1 million in crypto, and federal officials are attempting to seize Bitcoin (BTC) worth $2.4 million, which was confiscated by the Dallas FBI in April.
US Government’s Bitcoin Holdings
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made headlines this week after suggesting that the government would “not buy” Bitcoin under $119,000 as part of its crypto custody plans, just before the price of Bitcoin surged. He later clarified on social media that the department would “explore budget-neutral ways” to acquire BTC.
According to Bessent, the US government’s Bitcoin holdings, which are comprised of assets seized in criminal cases after victims have been compensated, are valued at around $20 billion. With the current price of Bitcoin at $117,387, estimates suggest that the US government holds approximately 198,012 BTC, worth over $23 billion.
For more information on the US government’s actions against ransomware operators and its cryptocurrency holdings, visit https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-authorities-seize-crypto-ransomware-operator
