FBI Supervisor Accused of Stealing $1 Million in Crypto from Russia-Linked Accounts
A high-ranking FBI supervisor has been charged with stealing nearly $1 million in cryptocurrency from accounts linked to Russia and transferring it into his own digital wallet.
The accused, Patrick Yaroch, faces charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods and receipt of stolen goods. Investigators said he accessed FBI systems to obtain the keys needed to move cryptocurrency, making as many as a dozen transfers worth a combined $925,426.07.
According to an FBI affidavit, Yaroch became 'frustrated' that the bureau 'could not or would not act against adversarial cryptocurrency accounts.' He reportedly said he wanted to do more to disrupt Russia's use of cryptocurrency during an investigation but acknowledged making 'some very poor decisions.'