Pig Butchering Crypto Scams On The Rise: FBI Recovered $5 Million

Pooja Khardia
August 23, 2024 Updated August 27, 2024
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Pig Butchering Crypto Scams On The Rise: FBI Recovered $5 Million

The demand for the crypto industry has risen heavily in such a short span. Its popularity has grown thanks to its high profitability, trading options, and other relevant features. However, only the experienced one will know how it is a space of fortunes but of losses as well due to volatility. But now scams have become another major concern, with many losing their hard-earned money. One such scamming trend is pig-butchering crypto scams, which have already looted hundreds of people in the US alone. Thankfully, one such case is solved with the FBI recovering $5 Million from the scammers.

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FBI Recovered $5M From Pig Butchering Crypto Scams

Pig Butchering crypto scams have become the new preference of fraudsters where they pretend to be acquaintances, friends, or romantic partners. They make contacts and get close with the victim, running the fraud for weeks or even months, convincing the victim to invest in the scammer’s crypto. Once the victim invests, the scammers show sudden losses to ask for more or simply disappear.

With the rising risk of these crypto frauds, the FBI is closely monitoring such situations and has even succeeded in recovering $ 5 million from one such scam. This Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina revealed the FBI’s hunting of such fraudulent cases, seizing around $5 Million.

The officials have seized the scammer’s holding in Tether, a popular stablecoin whose value is pegged to the dollar, making it a significant bust on the rising pig butchering incidents. The U.S. Attorney Micheal Easley has spoken on the incident, saying

Americans are losing their life’s savings to investment frauds as funds are being rapidly transferred to cryptocurrency accounts overseas

The case has been challenging with the fraudsters using multiple crypto wallets to hide their track. However, with the rising crypto scams, the officials are also adapting to the same.

Former Kansas Bank CEO Sentenced For Pig Butchering Scam

Various crypto and bank-related scams have happened in the past, and many more might in the future. However, one case has been the most dense as an ex-bank CEO stole from his bank to invest in one such Pig Butchering scam. This incident has made readers question where to even keep their money anymore. Shan Hanes, who’s the former Kansas Bank CEO sentenced to 24 years because of stealing $47 million worth of user funds and bankrupting the bank.

Though FDIC had taken over and reopened the bank after bankruptcy, the users still had to bear $9 Million in losses. In another situation, FDIC said 63 banks face collapse, concerning the US citizens even more now after seeing the ongoing situation.

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Final Thoughts

FBI has made a significant recovery from one of the Pig Butchering cryptos scams, seizing almost $5 Million in Tether. However, this is only a minor recovery as the crypto fraud count has risen heavily. Scammers are coming in one way or another to steal from investors, and now, building friendships and romantic relations has become the newest trend. One such case involved an ex-bank CEO who stole from his bank and claimed bankruptcy after stealing more than $47 million from the users.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Pooja Khardia is a seasoned crypto content writer with 6+ years of experience in writing, including in blockchain, cryptocurrency, DeFi, and digital finance reporting. In her adventure journey, she is currently working with CoinGape Media and leading their Trending Section. Here, she uses her expertise to deliver analytics, market insights, price predictions, and information on what’s trending in the crypto space, aiming to keep the crypto and web3 community updated with market trends and important insights. Known for a user-centric and straightforward writing style, Pooja is passionate about making crypto easy and accessible. Her writing blends market research with storytelling, helping readers stay ahead in a fast-paced industry. When not behind the keyboard, Pooja embraces her creative side through drawing and crafting. Connect with Pooja on LinkedIn or X.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.