Former FBI agent admits to stealing approximately 2.47 million dollars in cryptocurrency, facing up to 20 years in prison

According to a notice from the U.S. Department of Justice, former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent Patrick Steven Yaroch pleaded guilty to telecommunications fraud and money laundering on November 5. He exploited his position to obtain cryptocurrency vouchers collected during FBI investigations, executing approximately 100 fraudulent transactions involving 35 separate investigations, and illegally profiting about $2.4744 million.

According to court documents, the assets stolen by Yaroch came from wallets controlled by investigation subjects and hostile state actors, as well as at least one wallet created by the FBI for operations. He concealed the source of the funds by exchanging currencies and making multiple transfers, and used part of the funds to pay off personal debts. The Department of Justice stated that his actions compromised multiple investigations and related intelligence sources and methods. Sentencing is scheduled for March 4, 2027, and he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.