DOJ Charges 12 in $263M Crypto RICO Scheme Fueling Lavish Lifestyle
The U.S. Department of Justice unsealed charges against a dozen individuals allegedly involved in a sprawling cryptocurrency racketeering conspiracy. Defendants aged 18-21 face RICO, wire fraud, and money laundering charges for allegedly stealing $263 million in digital assets.
Prosecutors claim the group funded extravagant purchases including luxury vehicles and half-million-dollar parties through crypto fraud. The indictment highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency-related financial crimes as digital asset adoption expands.