Add as a preferred source on GoogleFederal Prosecutors Seek $456,602 in Tether (USDT) in Romance Scam Case
The complaint links the funds to two seized wallets and alleges victims in Massachusetts, Ohio and California were steered to fake crypto investment platforms.
Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts filed a civil forfeiture action Nov. 9 seeking $456,602 in Tether (USDT) linked to two seized wallets in an alleged romance scam case spanning three states.
The complaint alleges that victims in Massachusetts, Ohio and California were drawn into relationships before being directed to fraudulent crypto investment platforms. The platforms displayed fictitious profits while victims’ funds moved through crypto wallets, prosecutors allege. The complaint says those who contacted victims used aliases including Shreya Patel, Eric and Lily.
A victim from Norwood, Massachusetts, reported losses of about $1.89 million across 26 transactions. The Justice Department pursued a similar case in March 2026, seeking 327,829.72 USDT tied to a Massachusetts resident.
Civil forfeiture is a legal action against property, rather than a criminal conviction against a person. A final forfeiture requires a judgment, an agreed settlement or a default judgment.
Riza Dagoc
Riza Dagoc reports on regulation, investing and the digital-asset business for TokenPost. Send corrections or tips to info@tokenpost.com.