The Department of Justice has tripled cryptocurrency fraud prosecutions in 2026 and established a permanent Digital Asset Crime Unit with 150 dedicated prosecutors and blockchain analysts.
Enforcement Stats
- Crypto fraud cases filed: 450 (up from 150 in 2025)
- Total value seized: $6.2 billion
- Average sentence: 7.5 years federal prison
- Top targets: rug pulls, Ponzi schemes, mixing services
The unit uses advanced blockchain analysis tools from Chainalysis and TRM Labs to trace transactions across multiple chains and mixers. DOJ officials say "anonymity on blockchain is a myth" for serious criminals.
