According to The Block, the US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to seize more than $54 million worth of crypto money obtained with the proceeds of an illegal darknet narcotics scheme operating in New Jersey.
Accordingly, the US Department of Justice filed a confiscation case to seize 30,000 Ethereum (ETH) belonging to Christopher Castelluzzo, who was convicted of drug dealing.
The US Attorney's Office stated the following in its statement:
“Christopher Castelluzzo earned Bitcoin by selling drugs on the dark web between 2010 and 2015.
He then invested the proceeds in Ethereum's initial coin offering held in July 2014. Castelluzzo received 30,000 ETH here.
The forfeiture action we initiated today aims to recover millions of dollars of cryptocurrency that defendant Castelluzzo obtained from drug sales.
“Whether it is as simple as cash or as complex as cryptocurrency, we will take the necessary steps to seize the financial proceeds of defendants' criminal activities.”
FBI Special Agent James E. Dennehy said, “Many criminals use cryptocurrency on the dark web to operate away from the prying eyes of law enforcement. Our $54 million case should be a lesson to those who mistakenly believe that we cannot trace their illegal behavior or illicit proceeds. All criminals, “We will hold them accountable, clearly, with real-world consequences.” He made a statement.
Christopher Castelluzzo was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug dealing and is currently serving that sentence.