FBI Arrests Suspect In $46 Million Bitcoin Theft From US Marshals

John Daghita, a former US government contractor accused of stealing more than $46 million in Bitcoin (BTC) from the US Marshals Service (USMS), was arrested late Wednesday on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Joint US-French Operation

The arrest was carried out in a joint operation involving US and French authorities. In a statement posted Thursday on X (previously Twitter), FBI Director Kash Patel said Daghita was taken into custody by the French Gendarmerie’s elite tactical unit in coordination with the FBI. 

Patel emphasized that the FBI will continue to work around the clock with international partners to pursue individuals accused of defrauding American taxpayers, regardless of where they attempt to evade authorities.

According to reports, Daghita previously worked for Command Services & Support (CMDSS), a Virginia-based company led by his father, Dean Daghita. Information from his now-deleted LinkedIn profile indicated he was employed by the firm, which held contracts with the US Marshals Service. 

These contracts reportedly enabled the company to help manage the digital assets seized by federal law enforcement, which now form the country’s strategic Bitcoin and crypto reserve.

Authorities involved in the arrest reportedly discovered a briefcase containing cash and multiple USB drives in Daghita’s possession. Investigators have not publicly detailed the contents of the devices or how they may relate to the alleged theft.

Bitcoin And Crypto Crimes In The Spotlight

The case centers on accusations that Daghita misappropriated more than $46 million in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency assets that had been seized and were under the control of the US Marshals Service. 

Yet, Daghita’s arrest comes about a month after another high-profile crypto crime case made headlines. In Arizona, authorities arrested two teenagers from California in connection with an alleged $66 million cryptocurrency plot that escalated into a violent home invasion. 

The suspects, both under 18 and therefore not publicly identified, allegedly posed as delivery drivers to gain entry to a home in Scottsdale on January 31. Investigators say the teens forced their way inside, restrained and assaulted two homeowners, and demanded access to cryptocurrency holdings.

During the incident, one of the victims reportedly denied owning Bitcoin or any digital assets. An adult son inside the home was able to contact the police from another room. Officers responded to the scene, prompting the suspects to flee. They were later apprehended and taken into custody.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $70,919. This followed Wednesday’s failure to climb back above $74,000, resulting in a 3.5% retracement for the cryptocurrency within a 24-hour period.

Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com