US DOJ Strikes Back: $2.8M in Crypto Seized from Ransomware Gang
Another day, another crypto takedown—but this one’s got teeth. The US Department of Justice just clawed back $2.8 million in digital loot from a ransomware operation, proving even blockchain bandits aren’t bulletproof.
The haul:
Dirty crypto, clean win. DOJ’s cyber-sleuths traced and froze assets tied to extortion schemes—no ‘anonymous’ wallet was safe. Looks like someone forgot to bribe the right officials.
Why it matters:
Every seized coin weakens the ransomware economy. Yet somehow, Wall Street still thinks *their* opaque transactions are ‘legitimate.’ Funny how that works.
Bottom line:
Crypto’s here to stay—whether fueling crime or crushing it. The DOJ just turned the blockchain into a ledger of justice. Next stop? Probably another ATH while regulators play catch-up.
Antropenko tried to obscure trail of illicit funds
US prosecutors claim that Antropenko used the Zeppelin ransomware in attacks against individuals, businesses, and public-sector organizations across the world, and that includes the United States.
Prosecutors allege that he and his co-conspirators stole victims’ data, after which they demanded payment to restore access.
The seizures were authorized under six federal warrants unsealed this week in district courts in Texas, Virginia, and California.
Prosecutors alleged that Antropenko laundered the proceeds of his ransomware attacks through the now-defunct ChipMixer.
The financial implications of crypto-related crimes are rising
Cybercrime losses in the United States hit $16.6 billion in 2024, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. According to the FBI, the number of complaints connected to digital assets was close to 150,000 in 2024, and the related losses were up to $9.3 billion, which is a 66% increase from the reported cases from 2023. Ransomware is reportedly one of the major drivers of these losses.
The Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) has been on a juggernaut since 2020, securing more than 180 cybercrime convictions, recovering over $350 million for victims, and preventing more than $200 million in potential ransom payments.
There may be more arrests or indictments connected to the case in the future, although the DOJ has not disclosed any details to that effect as of publication.
Victims of Antropenko’s alleged ransomware attacks may see some respite from the news of the seizure and indictment. They could even see a path to fund recovery and some FORM of restitution in terms of justice served. However, the process could take months, and that’s if Antropenko is convicted of the charges against him.
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