U.S. Seizes $25 Million in Cryptocurrencies Linked to Romance and Investment Scams

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed five civil forfeiture lawsuits targeting over $25 million in cryptocurrencies tied to romance, investment, and recovery scams. The cases focus on an international fraud and money laundering network targeting victims in Canada and the U.S., with investigations revealing thousands of victims who sent funds under the guise of legal digital investments. The largest case involves $12.1 million in assets linked to a romance scam affecting over 200 individuals, while other lawsuits target $10.4 million in transactions and schemes involving fake investment accounts. Authorities noted the criminal networks primarily operated from Southeast Asia, with IP addresses traced to China, Malaysia, and Cambodia.