More Than $1.7 Million In Forfeited Funds Presented To Law Enforcement Agencies
U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez and Special Agent in Charge James Spero from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations presented more than $1.7 million in civilly forfeited funds to the Nassau County Sheriff’s ($1,044,550.05); the Florida National Guard ($627,487.74); and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office ($209,162.58). These awards are the result of a federal civil forfeiture of more than $4.5 million in funds obtained fraudulently through the hacking of bitcoin accounts. The individuals who planned and implemented the theft have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and are awaiting sentencing. To learn more, please see our press release.
In the Middle District of Florida, enforcing federal asset forfeiture laws is an integral part of our mission. Through the Equitable Sharing Program, our state and local law enforcement partners receive resources to supplement their law enforcement mission.
"Divesting criminals of their ill-gotten gains and returning these resources to our enforcement agencies is yet another step in continuing our fight against crime,” stated U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez.