Ex-FBI Agent Charged with Stealing $1M in Cryptocurrencies During Investigation

A former FBI agent has been charged with stealing nearly $1 million in cryptocurrencies during an investigation into another suspected crypto crime. Patrick Yaroch, a supervisory agent who used to investigate crypto crimes, allegedly transferred $900,000 in digital assets into multiple accounts under his control.

According to the court filing, Yaroch's access to FBI systems allowed him to move funds without being detected. He also used AI chats with a chatbot as evidence of his intent, asking what someone with around $1 million should do to leave the United States and become a citizen of a European Union country.

The investigation revealed that Yaroch had been planning to travel to Portugal, where he could potentially use the stolen funds. His travel plans were another piece of evidence used against him. Yaroch has been fired from the FBI and is now facing federal charges related to the alleged crypto crime.