The U.S. Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist—and Bitcoin’s Anonymity

Federal authorities are using new tools to identify criminals through blockchain transactions and are seizing funds. They have seized over $10 billion worth of digital currency through successful prosecutions.

April 12, 2023 . 8:33 PM

1 min read

Federal officials have been able to trace and identify criminals behind blockchain transactions and the dark web.
Law-enforcement agencies have seized over $10 billion worth of digital currency through successful prosecutions.
Blockchain analytics companies have mapped over a billion wallet addresses, separating out legitimate and questionable holdings.
Greater regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency exchanges has helped law enforcement identify parties they do business with.
Blockchain-tracking techniques have contributed to a slowdown in ransomware payments.