U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro Announces Seizure of Over $225 Million in Major Cryptocurrency Scam Crackdown

Washington, D.C. – Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced on June 18, 2025, a significant crackdown on an international cryptocurrency fraud scheme, resulting in the seizure of over $225 million in illicit funds. The announcement, highlighted by conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza in a recent tweet, marks a major action by Pirro in her new role. The operation targeted a widespread "pig butchering" scam that defrauded hundreds of victims globally.

The sophisticated scheme, known as "pig butchering," involved criminals identifying victims through social media, deceptive job advertisements, and fraudulent investment opportunities. These international operations were linked to organized crime rings and human trafficking syndicates, with foreign actors often operating from compounds in Southeast Asia. Over 400 suspected victims were misled into believing they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments, only to have their funds laundered through complex blockchain transactions.

Pirro, who assumed the role of interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia in May 2025 following her tenure as a prominent Fox News host, emphasized the administration's commitment to combating such financial crimes. Her appointment was made by President Donald Trump, who has expressed strong support for her leadership in the nation's capital. This action underscores her office's focus on prosecuting high-impact cases.

During the announcement, Pirro stated, "Our job right now is dealing with people who are being scammed out of their life savings. We've got well over 434 more victims; this is the largest crypto scam ever." She added that the administration's message to criminals, whether domestic or foreign, is clear: "We are going to send a message to all those criminals... at the very least we're going to freeze the money, we're going to try to give it back to the victims." The investigation involved extensive collaboration between the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Secret Service, and the FBI.

The seized funds represent the largest cryptocurrency seizure in Secret Service history, according to Sean Bradstreet, Special Agent in Charge with the Secret Service at the San Francisco Field Office. The ongoing investigation aims to return as much of the stolen money as possible to the victims. Pirro also highlighted the need for increased regulation in the cryptocurrency space, noting, "It's not a get out of jail free card. We are now this sophisticated group... we're here for the victims."