The U.S. Department of Justice has authorized the seizure of $2.8 million in cryptocurrency alongside $70,000 in cash and luxury vehicles from Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, an alleged ransomware operator charged with computer fraud, abuse, and money laundering conspiracy. Unsealed warrants reveal Antropenko used Zeppelin ransomware to target over 138 U.S. victims and entities globally, encrypting data and demanding cryptocurrency payments for decryption.
Prosecutors detailed that Antropenko laundered proceeds through ChipMixer – a mixing service dismantled in 2023 – and structured cash deposits. Seized assets include Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC) from Binance-linked wallets, a $150,000 BMW X6M, and a Lexus LX 570. This action forms part of a broader DOJ initiative that has recovered $350 million for ransomware victims and convicted 180+ cybercriminals since 2020.
Concurrently, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified the government’s $23 billion Bitcoin stockpile – comprising 198,012 BTC from forfeitures – will expand via "budget-neutral pathways" rather than direct purchases, following earlier market volatility triggered by his remarks.