US federal investigators have seized more than $25 million in cryptocurrency connected to international fraud networks targeting victims in the United States and Canada. The action followed investigations into romance scams, fake investment platforms, and other crypto-related fraud operations.
The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the US Secret Service’s Washington Field Office announced that the assets were recovered through a cyber fraud task force investigation. Prosecutors filed five civil forfeiture complaints on July 21, seeking permanent control of the seized cryptocurrency.
Federal Agencies Trace Crypto Linked to Fraud Cases
According to authorities, one of the largest cases involved a romance scam that affected more than 200 victims. Investigators estimated the losses linked to the scheme at about $12.1 million. The complaint seeks forfeiture of cryptocurrency connected to wallets used to move suspected fraudulent proceeds.
Another investigation involved around $10.4 million in cryptocurrency connected to more than 270 transactions. Authorities said the funds were linked to fraudulent investment platforms and a suspicious wallet network identified through cooperation with Canadian officials.
The cases were investigated by the Scam Center Strike Force, an initiative launched in November 2025 to target international fraud operations. Authorities said the program has recovered more than $800 million connected to criminal activity since its launch.
Special Agent in Charge Tara McLeese of the US Secret Service Washington Field Office said, “This seizure is the result of months of tireless work by Washington Field Office investigators,” according to the announcement. She added that investigators used transaction tracing methods to identify movements of suspected illicit funds.
Crypto Fraud Networks Face Wider Enforcement Action
Authorities said other investigations involved fake investment accounts, withdrawal restrictions, and recovery scams. In one case, fraudsters allegedly contacted a previous victim and offered to recover lost funds. The victim then made additional payments, with prosecutors seeking about $285,000 connected to the case.
Investigators also identified possible links between suspected money launderers and locations in Southeast Asia. Authorities said internet addresses connected to China, Malaysia, and Cambodia appeared during the investigations.
Meanwhile, enforcement agencies continue expanding their ability to follow blockchain transactions. Investigators used wallet analysis and transaction tracking tools to identify connections between fraud schemes and cryptocurrency transfers.
The cases form part of broader US efforts to address crypto-related financial crimes. In April, the Department of Justice reportedly restrained more than $700 million in cryptocurrency linked to alleged money laundering activity from fraud operations.
DeFi Platforms Add Compliance Features Amid Crypto Rules Debate
The enforcement action comes as some blockchain platforms introduce new tools aimed at regulated digital asset activity. Uniswap launched a v4-based permissioned pool feature on July 26, according to Wu Blockchain.
The feature uses an on-chain allowlist system designed to restrict access for assets that require regulatory controls. Existing permissionless Uniswap v4 pools will continue operating separately.
Launch partners mentioned in reports include Superstate, Securitize, and Dogo. The feature allows decentralized finance systems to support tokenized assets such as securities, funds, and equities while applying identity and eligibility checks.
In Washington, Senator Bill Hagerty renewed support for a digital asset market structure bill connected to the CLARITY effort. He said lawmakers and regulators need clear rules for the crypto sector.
“Markets work best when everyone knows the rules,” Hagerty said, according to reports. Congress continues discussions on digital asset oversight, including rules for market structure, investor protection, and regulatory responsibilities.
The latest seizure shows how US agencies are continuing to target crypto-linked fraud networks while blockchain companies develop systems focused on regulated digital asset activity.
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