Florida announces seizure of $1.5 million in cryptocurrency from cryptocurrency scam.
TL;DR
Florida prosecutors seized $1.5M in cryptocurrency from a foreign suspect, Tu Weizhi, charged with fraud and money laundering. The investigation began after an Orange County resident reported a $47,421 loss in an online investment scam.
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According to Decrypt, Odaily reports that Florida prosecutors have seized approximately $1.5 million in cryptocurrency linked to a foreign suspect (Chinese citizen Tu Weizhi). The wallet contained AVAX, DOGE, PEPE, and SOL. The state attorney general's cyber fraud enforcement unit has obtained a court order to freeze assets under Tu Weizhi's name. Tu Weizhi is currently charged with money laundering, grand theft, and organized fraud.
Florida authorities said Tu Weizhi would be arrested if he attempted to enter the United States. Investigators noted the raid stemmed from an investigation that began in July 2024 when a resident of Orange County reported losing $47,421. The resident had transferred the money to what appeared to be an online investment project. The investigation ultimately linked the funds to a wallet controlled by Tu Weizhi.