U.S. and French law enforcement agencies collaborated to arrest John Daghita, a former U.S. government contractor, accused of stealing $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S. Marshals Service. The arrest took place on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, executed by the FBI alongside the French Gendarmerie’s elite tactical unit.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest via social media, emphasizing the effective coordination between the U.S. and French authorities. Daghita, whose LinkedIn profile indicated he was associated with a Virginia-based firm run by his father, had contracts with the U.S. Marshals Service that involved managing seized digital currency.
During the arrest, authorities reportedly discovered a briefcase filled with cash and several USB drives, suggesting further potential evidence related to the case. This incident follows a recent arrest of two California teens in Arizona, connected to a separate home invasion involving an alleged $66 million cryptocurrency scheme, indicating a broader trend of criminal activities linked to digital currency.
Patel stated that the FBI remains committed to working with international partners to track down individuals who attempt to defraud American taxpayers, reaffirming the agency's dedication to combating financial crimes regardless of where suspects might seek refuge.
This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about security and illicit activities associated with cryptocurrency, as law enforcement continues to adapt to evolving digital crime landscapes.