A former U.S. government contractor accused of stealing more than $46 million in Bitcoin (BTC) from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) was arrested late Wednesday on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The suspect, identified as John Daghita, was taken into custody in a joint U.S.-French operation.
Alleged $46M Bitcoin Theft from USMS
Authorities allege that Daghita misappropriated Bitcoin belonging to the USMS, the federal agency responsible for managing and disposing of assets seized by the Department of Justice. The USMS has long overseen custody and auction processes for seized digital assets, including high-profile Bitcoin auctions stemming from cases such as the Silk Road investigation.
Arrest in Saint Martin
The FBI said Daghita was arrested on Saint Martin late Wednesday in cooperation with French counterparts. The island, located in the northeastern Caribbean, is home to multiple law enforcement jurisdictions, and the operation was coordinated across U.S. and French authorities. No additional details on the arrest logistics or timing were immediately disclosed.
Broader Context
The case underscores ongoing challenges in securing and managing government-held digital assets as cryptocurrency plays a larger role in criminal investigations and asset forfeitures. The USMS remains one of the primary federal custodians for seized cryptocurrencies, conducting periodic sales and transfers under established oversight and compliance protocols.
Daghita remains accused at this stage. Further information on charges, court proceedings, or potential extradition was not provided in the initial announcement.