Report: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on March 21 that $7 million in proceeds from a cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme have been recovered and are now inviting victims to submit petitions to reclaim the funds. Authorities stated: "These fraudulent websites mimicked legitimate cryptocurrency investment platforms but transferred victims' funds to perpetrators through over 75 bank accounts opened under shell company names." Victims were misled into believing their investments were increasing in value, but in reality, the returns were fabricated. After laundering the funds through a series of complex domestic and international transactions, the criminals ultimately transferred the money overseas. In June 2023, the U.S. Secret Service seized the funds from a foreign bank account, prompting the Department of Justice to initiate a civil forfeiture lawsuit. After claims were made by the foreign bank, both parties reached a settlement, resulting in the $7 million being seized and owned by the United States. (News.bitcoin)