FBI arrests federal contractor accused of $46 million crypto theft in Caribbean

The FBI announced the arrest of John Daghita, a federal contractor accused of embezzling $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S. Marshals Service, on Saint Martin this evening. Authorities released images showing Daghita being taken away after his apprehension by the French Gendarmerie’s elite tactical unit. The photos depict him surrounded by computer flash drives and a suitcase filled with cash, among other items. These were found in an environment that included a swimming pool for context.

Daghita allegedly managed to access the digital currency through unknown means. According to FBI Director Kash Patel’s statement on social media, this operation was executed alongside counterparts from the International Cooperation Team Serious Crime Unit of the French Gendarmerie National and the Guadeloupe-based Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale.

Patel emphasized, “FBI will continue working 24/7 with our international partners to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers—no matter where they try to hide.”

This latest development in the ongoing investigation underscores the FBI’s commitment to rooting out financial crimes regardless of location. The case serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics employed by criminals in safeguarding their illicit assets while leaving investigators no stone unturned.