FBI Arrests Contractor in $46M US Marshals Crypto Theft Case

TLDR

• John Daghita, 21, arrested in Saint Martin over $46M crypto theft

• FBI and French Gendarmerie led joint cross-border arrest

• Funds allegedly linked to seized US Marshals crypto wallets

• Briefcase with cash and USB drives found during arrest

A U.S. government contractor accused of stealing more than $46 million in cryptocurrency has been arrested in Saint Martin. Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old John Daghita.

The arrest followed a joint operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and French law enforcement units. The elite tactical unit of the French Gendarmerie carried out the arrest with support from its Serious Crime Unit in Saint Martin and a tactical team based in Guadeloupe.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest on social media. He stated that the suspect was taken into custody on March 4, 2026.

Authorities released an image showing Daghita in handcuffs near a swimming pool. Officials also displayed a silver briefcase filled with cash and several USB drives recovered at the scene.

Patel said,

Alleged Theft From US Marshals Service

Investigators allege that the stolen cryptocurrency belonged to the United States Marshals Service. The agency manages digital assets seized in criminal investigations. Reports state that Daghita worked with Virginia-based contractor Command Services & Support. The firm is owned by his father, Dean Daghita.

The company reportedly handled technical services involving seized digital assets. Authorities believe that this role may have given the suspect access to private cryptocurrency accounts. The alleged theft dates back to late 2024. Officials have not yet disclosed the method used to transfer or conceal the funds.

Brady McCarron, chief of public affairs for the U.S. Marshals Service, told CoinDesk that an investigation began in January. The probe followed a tip from a social media user who raised concerns about missing funds.

Social Media Tip and Investigation

The investigation reportedly gained traction after allegations were posted by an X user known as ZachXBT. The user claimed that large sums were moved from wallets linked to government seizures. In a January 23 post, ZachXBT alleged that accounts held 12,540 ETH. The value at the time was about $36.3 million.

The user wrote, “Meet the threat actor John (Lick), who was caught flexing $23M in a wallet address directly tied to $90M+ in suspected thefts from the US Government in 2024 and multiple other unidentified victims from Nov 2025 to Dec 2025.”

Authorities have not confirmed all figures cited in the post. However, officials acknowledged that the tip contributed to the launch of the formal investigation.

The case has drawn attention to federal oversight of cryptocurrency assets. In February 2025, the Marshals Service did not have a complete accounting of its crypto holdings. At that time, President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of establishing a national crypto reserve.

Extradition and Ongoing Proceedings

Officials are expected to seek Daghita’s extradition to the United States. The process will involve coordination between U.S. and French authorities. The FBI stated that cooperation between agencies enabled the arrest. The agency said it continues to work with international partners in financial crime cases.

Authorities have not announced formal charges in detail. Court proceedings will determine the next steps once extradition is complete.

The case remains under investigation, and additional information may be released as legal proceedings move forward.

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