regulationNovember 9, 2026
Former FBI agent pleads guilty to stealing $2.5M in crypto
Former FBI counterintelligence agent Patrick Steven Yaroch has pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering. According to the bureau, he used his official access to information to make about 100 illegal transfers from crypto wallets tied to 35 investigations. The total amount involved was $2.47 million.
He spent part of the funds paying off debts and planned to use the rest to start a new life in Portugal. His actions put several FBI investigations at risk.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 4, 2027. The former agent faces up to 20 years in prison.
For crypto holders, the case shows that access to wallets and related data can end up with people who are supposed to protect them.