Twelve individuals have been charged in connection with a $263 million cryptocurrency theft that included stealing 4,100 Bitcoin from a victim last August. This crime spree involved hacking, money laundering, and burglaries, evolving from a group of friends who began by playing online games. Key suspects, many aged 18 to 22 and operating under aliases like 'Goth Ferrari,' were implicated in various forms of cyber-enabled racketeering. They were reportedly responsible for hacking databases and targeting crypto holders through social engineering tactics. Significant amounts of the stolen funds were funneled into lavish lifestyles, including extravagant nightclub spending and purchasing luxury items like exotic cars and designer clothing. The Department of Justice indicated a sophisticated approach to laundering the stolen Bitcoin, utilizing virtual private networks and 'peel chains' to obfuscate their activities. Several suspects have been arrested, while others are believed to be residing abroad. They face serious charges, including RICO violations alongside wire fraud and money laundering.

Source 🔗