Newly released U.S. Department of Justice documents have exposed a previously obscured financial link between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the Bitcoin industry, revealing his 2014 investment in infrastructure firm Blockstream through a fund managed by then-MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito. Blockstream co-founder and CEO Adam Back confirmed the investment but stated it was divested within months due to conflict of interest concerns, severing all financial ties. The emails, however, also detail Epstein’s invitation for Back and co-founder Austin Hill to visit his private Caribbean island, Little Saint James—a site later central to his abuse network—and show Epstein expressing a favorable opinion of the Bitcoin pioneer.
about Epstein Invested in Blockstream via MIT Fund, Invited Founders to IslandDepartment of Justice
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekUS Government Crypto Theft Alleged in $90M Scandal
A major security breach has allegedly compromised millions in seized cryptocurrency under US government control, according to blockchain investigator ZachXBT. The investigation points to John “Lick” Daghita, son of a Department of Justice contractor, as controlling wallets tied to over $90 million in suspected illicit funds, including at least $40 million directly linked to federal seizure addresses. The scandal raises profound questions about the custodial integrity of government-held digital assets and has triggered a rapid digital disappearance by the implicated contracting firm.
about US Government Crypto Theft Alleged in $90M ScandalDoJ Indicts Ukrainian in Russian Cyberattack Groups Case
The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed indictments against a Ukrainian national, alleging her involvement with two Russian state-sanctioned cyberattack groups that targeted critical infrastructure globally. The case highlights the growing intersection of international cyber warfare, cryptocurrency financing, and legal countermeasures, with the accused facing serious charges including tampering with public water systems and aggravated identity theft.
about DoJ Indicts Ukrainian in Russian Cyberattack Groups CaseDOJ Seeks 12-Year Prison Sentence for Terra Founder Do Kwon
Federal prosecutors are urging a judge to impose the maximum 12-year prison sentence on Terra founder Do Kwon for his role in the $40 billion collapse of the UST and LUNA cryptocurrencies. The Department of Justice argues that a lighter sentence would create unfair disparities compared to the 25-year term given to FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried. Kwon’s sentencing is scheduled for December 11 in Manhattan.
about DOJ Seeks 12-Year Prison Sentence for Terra Founder Do KwonDOJ Warns Private Markets Over Creative Valuations
Wall Street’s top prosecutor is sounding the alarm about creative accounting in private markets, with the Department of Justice now closely monitoring significant discrepancies in how firms value private assets. Jay Clayton, head of the DOJ’s Manhattan outpost, has identified ‘areas of concern’ as stark divergences in valuation practices draw increasing attention from market participants, academics, and now federal authorities, signaling a new era of regulatory scrutiny for the traditionally opaque private markets.
about DOJ Warns Private Markets Over Creative ValuationsJudge Blocks Texas Redistricting, MBS Plans $1T US Investment
A federal judge has blocked Texas’s attempt to redraw its congressional districts, creating immediate political implications. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince announced plans for $1 trillion in US investments during his Oval Office meeting with President Trump. The developments come amid ongoing market volatility and congressional scrutiny of DOJ files, highlighting a day of significant political and economic crosscurrents.
about Judge Blocks Texas Redistricting, MBS Plans $1T US InvestmentChina Accuses U.S. of Illegally Seizing $13B in Bitcoin
Chinese cybersecurity authorities have launched explosive allegations against the U.S. government, claiming the seizure of 127,271 Bitcoin worth approximately $13.2 billion was unlawful and originated from a 2020 mining pool hack rather than criminal proceeds. The China National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center (CVERC) directly challenges the U.S. Department of Justice’s narrative, describing the operation as a state-level ‘black-eats-black’ hacking scheme that marks a significant escalation in cryptocurrency tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
about China Accuses U.S. of Illegally Seizing $13B in BitcoinSamourai Wallet Developer Gets 5 Years in Privacy Case
Samourai Wallet cofounder Keonne Rodriguez received a five-year prison sentence for developing privacy-focused Bitcoin software, marking a pivotal moment in the clash between financial privacy and regulatory enforcement. The case has ignited outrage across the cryptocurrency community as traditional financial institutions like JPMorgan settle serious allegations without executive jail time, while Bitcoin developers face maximum sentences. With President Trump pardoning other crypto figures like Ross Ulbricht and Changpeng Zhao, advocates are now pushing for clemency in what they see as a fundamental battle for open-source development and financial autonomy.
about Samourai Wallet Developer Gets 5 Years in Privacy CaseUS Seizes $14.2B Bitcoin in Largest DOJ Forfeiture Case
The United States Department of Justice has initiated the largest cryptocurrency forfeiture action in its history, targeting 127,271 Bitcoin worth over $14.2 billion. The civil complaint alleges these assets were obtained through massive ‘pig butchering’ scams orchestrated by Cambodian businessman Chen Zhi, marking an unprecedented crackdown on international cryptocurrency fraud with significant implications for the digital asset landscape.
about US Seizes $14.2B Bitcoin in Largest DOJ Forfeiture CaseRhysida Ransomware Auctions Maryland Data for 30 BTC
The Rhysida ransomware collective is auctioning sensitive personal data stolen from the Maryland Department of Transportation for a starting bid of 30 Bitcoin, approximately $3.4 million. This brazen cyberattack, which exposed critical information including social security numbers and addresses, underscores the persistent and evolving threat ransomware groups pose to government infrastructure and public safety, even as overall ransom payments show a significant decline.
about Rhysida Ransomware Auctions Maryland Data for 30 BTCPGI CEO Admits $200M Bitcoin Ponzi Scheme
Ramil Ventura, CEO of Praetorian Group International, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive $200 million Bitcoin Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 90,000 victims worldwide. The scheme promised daily returns through Bitcoin trading but instead funded Ventura’s extravagant lifestyle. The Department of Justice revealed he used investor funds to purchase luxury cars, designer goods, and multiple properties.
about PGI CEO Admits $200M Bitcoin Ponzi SchemeCoinbase Urges DOJ to Preempt State Crypto Laws
Coinbase has escalated its battle against state crypto regulators by formally petitioning the Department of Justice for federal preemption of conflicting state laws. The exchange argues that patchwork enforcement is fragmenting America’s crypto market and harming innovation. Legal experts suggest DOJ intervention could mark a pivotal moment for crypto regulation nationwide.
about Coinbase Urges DOJ to Preempt State Crypto Laws