The US Justice Department has authorized the seizure of more than $2.8 million in cryptocurrency, cash, and luxury assets linked to an alleged ransomware operator, intensifying the government’s aggressive stance on cybercrime and digital assets.

Federal prosecutors revealed that six warrants were unsealed against Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, accused of computer fraud, abuse, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Alongside the seized crypto, officials confiscated $70,000 in cash and a high-end vehicle. Authorities claim these assets were proceeds from ransomware schemes, laundered through methods including the now-defunct ChipMixer service, which was dismantled in an international operation in 2023. Antropenko allegedly also converted digital assets into structured cash deposits to avoid detection.

This action follows a string of recent US government crackdowns on illicit crypto funds. Earlier this week, the Justice Department confirmed the seizure of $1 million in cryptocurrency from the ransomware group BlackSuit. In April, the FBI in Dallas secured $2.4 million in Bitcoin tied to another case. These seizures contribute to a growing government-held crypto reserve created under an executive order first established in 2020.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently addressed the government’s crypto holdings, clarifying that while there are no plans to purchase Bitcoin outright, the Treasury will continue acquiring assets through “budget-neutral pathways.” He noted that America’s crypto stockpile—comprised largely of seized assets—was worth approximately $20 billion after victims were compensated. With Bitcoin valued at around $117,000 at the time of reporting, analysts estimate the US government controls more than 198,000 BTC, worth over $23 billion.

The case against Antropenko highlights not only the ongoing threat of ransomware but also raises questions about the United States’ growing role as one of the world’s largest Bitcoin holders through criminal asset seizures.