DOJ Targets $5M Bitcoin Haul From SIM Swap and Casino Laundering Scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a civil forfeiture complaint to seize more than $5 million in bitcoin allegedly stolen through SIM swap attacks between October 2022 and March 2023.
Hackers reportedly hijacked victims’ phone numbers, bypassed authentication measures, and drained digital wallets belonging to at least five individuals. Prosecutors say the funds were funneled through multiple wallets before being laundered via Stake.com, an online casino.
Investigators highlighted dozens of rapid, circular transfers in March 2023 as evidence of the laundering attempt. The case is being handled by the DOJ’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section with support from the FBI. Officials stressed the growing risks of SIM swap fraud but also noted that crypto technology remains widely used in legitimate finance. Since 2020, the DOJ has secured over 180 cybercrime convictions and helped recover more than $350 million for victims.
Clever Robot News Desk 15th September 2025
