Fighting Back After a Cryptocurrency Seizure: How We Help Victims Recover Digital Assets
At San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm, we understand how difficult it is to lose your cryptocurrency to Government seizure, especially when you’ve already been victimized by fraud.
In today’s digital economy, virtual currencies or cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Tether (USDT), and Ethereum are increasingly being seized through civil asset forfeiture laws as part of federal Government investigations into wire fraud or money laundering.
Oftentimes, innocent victims who have no connection to criminal activity are left struggling to reclaim their property.
Speak with Attorney Daniel Smith today during a free, confidential consultation at (619) 258-8888. With 35 years of experience in federal defense, San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm helps fraud victims recover their seized cryptocurrency from the Government agencies, such as the DEA, FBI, HSI, and through the Department of Justice (DOJ).
- BTC-e: High-Stakes Forfeiture Case (Case No. 1:25-cv-02085)
- USDT Cryptocurrency Seizure: Victims of Investment Fraud Caught in the Middle
- Why San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm?
BTC-e: High-Stakes Forfeiture Case (Case No. 1:25-cv-02085)
Supervising Attorney Daniel Smith of San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm was recently retained to litigate a high-profile matter regarding the BTC-e cryptocurrency seizure.
The Government filed a forfeiture notice on July 4, 2025, in the case titled United States v. All Virtual Currency Held in the BTC-e Operating Wallets as of July 25, 2017, currently in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under Case No. 1:25-cv-02085. Claimants have 60 days to file after July 4th, 2025, which is when the notice was filed electronically. See forfeiture.gov for more.
Notice of Forfeiture Action 25-CV-2085The case involves allegations against Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national involved in a prisoner swap, accused of operating a global cryptocurrency platform used for criminal activity and money laundering.
Mr. Smith will be appearing before the District of Columbia District Court through the pro hac vice process, as he has done prior in numerous other federal cases nationwide. He is admitted to practice in all U.S. District Courts within California, and he has also been admitted in several other jurisdictions, including Arizona and Tennessee.
USDT Cryptocurrency Seizure: Victims of Investment Fraud Caught in the Middle
San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm is also actively accepting clients in another major cryptocurrency forfeiture case filed in the Northern District of Ohio.
In this case, titled United States v. 4,340,000 Tether (“USDT”) Cryptocurrency, Valued at Approximately $4,340,000, et al. (Case No. 1:25-CV-00386), the Government initiated a civil forfeiture action involving the alleged proceeds of a large-scale cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme.
This scheme affected at least 38 victims who collectively lost approximately $9.6 million to fraudsters.
The Government alleges that the seized Tether cryptocurrency was either derived from wire fraud or involved in money laundering activities.
The forfeiture complaint cites several federal statutes for forfeiture, including 18 USC § 981(a)(1)(C) for property constituting the proceeds of wire fraud and 18 USC § 981(a)(1)(A) for property involved in money laundering.
The Government also cites violations of other federal criminal laws, including 18 USC § 1343 (wire fraud), 371 (conspiracy), 1956(a)(1)(B)(i), 1956(h), and 1957.
At the time of seizure, the Government identified three wallet addresses containing a total of approximately 8,207,578 USDT (Tether’s stablecoin currency) valued at roughly $8.2 million.
Why San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm?
Many clients choose San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm because we are a boutique law firm that offers personalized legal services and direct access to the attorney handling your case.
Mr. Smith has been a federal trial lawyer in District Court since 1990 and is very familiar with the alleged violations in forfeiture cases.
While larger law firms may have many attorneys across multiple offices, we provide one-on-one attention that makes clients feel like more than just a case number. In every matter we handle, our clients become part of our extended family.
By the time the case reaches final disposition, they have gotten to know the entire staff, including Mr. Smith and our dedicated team of paralegals.
Because we operate on a smaller scale, we are also able to offer affordable contingency-based fees. Unlike large firms where fees are higher due to multiple attorneys, our approach ensures that more of your recovery stays in your hands, not ours.
San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm eliminates the middleman. When you contact our office, you speak directly with Attorney Dan Smith or a qualified paralegal immediately.
Our clients receive real-time updates and responsive communication from a team that understands the unique challenges of litigating cryptocurrency forfeiture.
Whether you are involved in the BTC-e matter, a Tether fraud case, or any other cryptocurrency-related seizure, we are ready to step in and fight for your rights.
Call San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm Today!
If your digital currency (Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum, etc.) has been seized by the Government, contact San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm today at (619) 258-8888.
We offer free, confidential consultations, and we handle forfeiture cases nationwide.
