“This is the first time that seized crypto-assets have actually been handed over to government management,” the statement reads. The funds came from wallets controlled by a member of an alleged international hacking group, the office said.
However, fund management involves storage of the digital assets, not ownership. The USDT sits in a wallet ARMA controls but has not been formally confiscated, a move that requires a conviction. ARMA already manages seized houses and cars, yet has no knowledge of taking crypto on its books.
Investigators accused the group of targeting people and businesses in Europe and the United States, stealing private data, demanding ransoms and laundering proceeds in Ukraine through real estate, cars and other high-value property.
Four suspects, including the alleged organizer, have been detained and remain in custody, the statement added, and have yet to be sentenced. Investigators estimate the damage from the group’s activities at more than $100 million.
Authorities have so far seized assets worth over $11.1 million, including homes, apartments, cars, $1 million in cash and virtual assets worth more than $8.3 million.
