Hackers involved in the massive $243 million crypto theft have returned $19.2 million to a compromised U.S. government wallet. This comes after blockchain investigator ZachXBT reported ongoing efforts to track the stolen funds. The hackers had initially moved a significant portion of the stolen assets to multiple exchanges, including Switchain, HitBTC, and N Exchange, complicating the recovery process​
The US Hack Saga
In August 2024, a group of cybercriminals executed a social engineering attack, stealing 4,064 BTC (valued at $243 million at the time) from a Genesis creditor. By impersonating Google and Gemini support, the attackers gained access to the victim’s wallets and transferred the funds to various exchanges. ZachXBT’s investigation has been pivotal in freezing $9 million of these stolen assets, with $500,000 already returned to the victim.
Despite these efforts, a large portion of the stolen funds remains in circulation across multiple wallets and exchanges. The return of $19.2 million marks a crucial step forward in the recovery process, though much of the stolen crypto is still being traced.
A Key Win in Crypto Theft Recovery
The return of these funds is significant as it demonstrates ongoing pressure from investigators and law enforcement. It’s also a reminder of how quickly stolen crypto can be laundered through exchanges. As blockchain forensics evolve, this case highlights the importance of decentralized tracking to recover assets and bring cybercriminals to justice.
ZachXBT’s efforts have taken the central stage in recovering these stolen funds. His blockchain tracing work has led to several arrests and frozen assets, reinforcing the role of investigators in fighting crypto-related crimes. The return of $19.2 million is a victory, but the fight to recover the remaining stolen funds continues.
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