DOJ seizes $225M in crypto from investment scams, involving Tether, aiming to reimburse victims

From Cointelegraph

June 18, 2025 5:45 pm:

The US Department of Justice seized over $225 million linked to crypto investment scams. The funds were part of money laundering from victims of fraudulent schemes, with more than 400 victims losing millions of dollars. Stablecoin issuer Tether assisted in the investigation, referring to the scam as “pig butchering.”

In 2024, FBI reported over $5.8 billion in crypto investment fraud losses. Americans lost more than $9.3 billion in scams involving digital assets. The DOJ filed a civil forfeiture complaint against the seized funds, aiming to make victims whole again from the schemes.

New York officials froze $140,000 and seized $300,000 linked to a crypto investment scam via fake social media ads, causing over $1 million in losses to 300 victims. Interim US Attorney Pirro avoided questions on scrutinizing Trump’s crypto connections, focusing instead on protecting people from being scammed.

Read more at Cointelegraph: DOJ Files To Seize $225M In Crypto Tied To Pig Butchering Schemes