Ex-FBI counterintelligence agent stole almost $2.5M in crypto
Former FBI counterintelligence agent Patrick Steven Yaroch admitted to stealing almost $2.5 million in cryptocurrency from adversarial nations and investigated wallets.
Yaroch, 37, used his investigative positions with access to FBI systems to steal cryptocurrency, then exchange and launder it through financial transactions to conceal its source and ownership. He made about 100 fraudulent transfers related to 35 FBI investigations, gaining $2,474,380.66 in proceeds, according to the US Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Virginia.
Admissions and Plans
The former agent admitted that his actions had compromised FBI investigations related to criminal groups and adversarial nations. Yaroch had earlier admitted to unauthorized transfers involving about $1 million in digital assets, which was reported by Cointelegraph in August.
Yaroch paid off his debts and intended to use the proceeds to finance a new life in Portugal, where he planned to buy a vineyard.
Legal Consequences
Yaroch faces up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing is set for March 4, 2027, after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges.
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