An FBI agent is suspected of stealing nearly $1 million from crypto accounts linked to Russia
Patrick Yarokh, the head of an FBI field office, was charged with two federal counts after investigators determined that he had transferred nearly $1 million from cryptocurrency accounts linked to Russia to his own crypto wallet.
According to U.S. media reports, Yarokh is accused of interstate transportation and receipt of stolen property.
According to the case file, the FBI agent explained his actions by saying he was frustrated by the bureau’s lack of action regarding cryptocurrency accounts linked to a hostile state.
“I was frustrated that the FBI was unable or unwilling to take action regarding cryptocurrency accounts linked to a hostile state,” he stated during a conversation with a U.S. Department of Justice official.
According to the investigation, Yarokh gained access to the FBI’s internal systems, found the keys to control cryptocurrency wallets, and made up to ten transfers to his own account. The total amount of funds illegally transferred was approximately $925,000.
During questioning, he pleaded guilty and stated that he had made “several very bad decisions.”
“I was ashamed; it was eating me up inside, and I wanted to lift this burden off my soul,” he explained to law enforcement officials.
Yarok also independently filled out the FBI’s online self-report form and voluntarily met with officials at the bureau’s headquarters to explain his actions.
At the same time, the case file notes that he did not contact representatives of the country that owned the cryptocurrency accounts or any other individuals associated with them.
During the search, Patrick Yarok handed over his official identification cards and the details of the cryptocurrency wallets through which the transfers were made to the agents.
A Virginia state court ruled to temporarily remand the defendant in custody. The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for August 4.
The FBI confirmed the employee’s dismissal and stated that such behavior is unacceptable.
“This individual has already been terminated from the Bureau. We require our employees to adhere to the highest ethical standards, and such conduct is not tolerated at the FBI. We are conducting a thorough investigation into this incident, and since the case is still ongoing, we will not provide any further comment,” said an FBI spokesperson.
This was reported by NBC News.
As a reminder, as part of its 21st sanctions package, the European Union imposed a ban on transactions with 14 cryptocurrency platforms from third countries to increase pressure on Russia’s financial capabilities.
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