US lawmakers propose new federal crypto crime task force

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US lawmakers propose new federal crypto crime task force

American lawmakers are proposing a new federal group dedicated to investigating crimes involving cryptocurrency, such as theft, fraud, and hacking.

Summary

  • Bipartisan lawmakers introduced a bill creating a federal crypto crime task force.
  • The proposed unit would include the DOJ, FBI, DHS, and Treasury Department.
  • The legislation aims to improve investigations, victim reporting, and law enforcement coordination.

After a year that saw Americans lose over $11 billion due to crypto scams and fraud, this proposal aims to create a unified system for tracking and prosecuting these crimes. If passed, it would allow several federal agencies to work together to better protect people.

Crypto fraud losses drive call for coordinated enforcement

A new bill proposed by members of both parties in Congress would establish a task force to combat cryptocurrency theft. Led by the Attorney General, the group would include representatives from key federal agencies like the Department of Justice, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the Treasury Department.

A new bill is being proposed following a significant increase in complaints about cryptocurrency scams across the U.S. The FBI’s latest report shows Americans filed 181,565 complaints related to crypto in 2025, resulting in over $11.3 billion in losses. Most of these losses – around $7.2 billion – came from investment scams. The number of complaints also rose by 21% from the previous year.

In 2025, older adults experienced the biggest financial losses from scams, with over 44,000 complaints filed by people over 60. The FBI estimates these victims lost around $4.43 billion due to schemes involving cryptocurrency. Overall, criminal activity with digital assets increased significantly. TRM Labs, a blockchain analysis company, reported that illicit cryptocurrency wallets received $158 billion in 2025, a substantial jump from $64.5 billion the year before.

Bill seeks single reporting channel for victims

Representatives Lance Gooden and Josh Gottheimer have proposed a new law to help people report crimes involving cryptocurrency. Currently, there isn’t one central place to report these crimes, and the new law would create a more organized way to respond to them.

Gooden stated that the U.S. requires a coordinated plan to combat cryptocurrency-related crime. He explained that the current, disjointed approach leaves people who are victimized with little help. This new bill aims to strengthen communication between the agencies investigating these crimes.

This plan would create a team to work with different agencies on investigations. They would also create consistent guidelines for local police departments. Officials will establish procedures for dealing with cryptocurrency theft and scams, and the plan includes help for victims. Lawmakers believe this system will make reporting easier, and support services will be coordinated at the federal level.

Proposal follows changes in federal crypto enforcement

This new bill comes after the Department of Justice closed its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team in 2025. Officials stated the previous team mainly focused on taking action against companies in the crypto industry. This new plan, however, prioritizes criminal investigations and helping victims of crypto crime. Several federal agencies are already running programs to combat digital asset crimes.

The FBI’s “Operation Level Up” helps people who are being scammed *before* they lose a lot of money. In 2025 alone, the program saved over $225.8 million. Other government agencies are also working to crack down on crypto scams. Specifically, the Treasury Department’s Scam Center Strike Force has been focusing on and shutting down international fraud schemes, seizing over $700 million connected to these scams.

Several industry groups have voiced their approval of the proposed legislation. The Digital Chamber believes that police need better resources and training, while the CEO of Satoshi Action Fund, Dennis Porter, stated the bill would create a unified federal approach to help both victims and those investigating crimes. However, the proposal still needs to be reviewed and approved by congressional committees before it can become law. It’s also possible lawmakers will include it as part of a larger bill this session.

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2026-06-12 04:02