Federal authorities in North Carolina recently announced a landmark victory in the fight against cryptocurrency fraud, seizing over $61 million in USDT tied to a sophisticated "pig butchering" syndicate. According to reports from Eandco, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the DOJ successfully traced the stolen funds through a complex network of digital wallets.

For victims of these high-value scams, this seizure is a signal that stolen capital is not always "gone." However, as federal strike forces become overwhelmed by a 1,400% surge in AI-driven fraud, the path to restitution often requires a private, intelligence-led approach. At Conflict International USA, we specialize in the rapid tracing and recovery of assets moved through the most sophisticated laundering networks.

Understanding the "Pig Butchering" Threat in 2026

"Pig butchering" has evolved from simple social engineering into a multi-billion dollar criminal industry. Scammers use AI-generated personas and deepfake technology to build long-term trust with victims before directing them toward fraudulent investment platforms.

The Laundering Cycle: Once funds are deposited, they are funneled through "mixers" and multiple blockchain networks to conceal ownership.
The AI Multiplier: Scammers now use automated AI tools to manage hundreds of victims simultaneously, making the scale of these operations unprecedented.
The Restitution Gap: While federal seizures like the $61M North Carolina case are impressive, thousands of individual victims remain unassisted without a verified "Intelligence Bundle" to present to authorities.

Conflict International USA: Bridging the Gap to Asset Recovery

Recovering wealth from a transnational syndicate requires more than just a police report. It requires a proactive investigation that combines digital forensics with traditional intelligence gathering.

Blockchain Forensics & Asset Tracing

Our specialists utilize advanced forensic software to map the movement of stolen cryptocurrency in real-time. By identifying the specific wallets and exchanges used by scammers, we provide the definitive proof required for legal teams to secure freezing orders and for law enforcement to initiate seizures.

Tracking Stablecoins: As seen in the recent $61M seizure, USDT is a primary vehicle for fraud. We track these assets across multiple chains (Ethereum, Tron, Solana) to find where the money stops.
Exchange Intervention: We work to identify the point where digital assets are converted into "fiat" currency, allowing for intervention at the banking level.

Building the Case for Federal Intervention

Federal agencies like HSI and the FBI are more likely to act when presented with a "ready-to-prosecute" case file. Conflict International USA produces comprehensive intelligence reports that include:

Verified Wallet Clusters: Mapping the entire network of the syndicate.
Attribution Intelligence: Identifying the physical locations and actors behind the digital screen.
Chain of Custody: Ensuring that forensic evidence is court-admissible for asset forfeiture proceedings.

Actionable Intelligence for High-Value Victims

If you or your organization has been targeted by an international crypto-investment scheme, time is the most critical factor. The "laundering" phase happens in minutes, but the "cashing out" phase provides a window for recovery.

Immediate Forensic Lock: We act to trace funds before they are moved into decentralized "mixers" that are harder to penetrate.
Global Reach: From our New York and London hubs, we track assets across international borders, coordinating with legal counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Private Surveillance: In cases where digital leads turn into physical locations, our surveillance teams provide the ground-truth intelligence needed to locate perpetrators.

Conflict International: Turning the Tide on Digital Fraud

The seizure of $61 million proves that the "cheaters" can be caught. But for the thousands of victims still fighting for restitution, the journey begins with professional intelligence. Conflict International USA is committed to providing the forensic depth and investigative power needed to recover lost wealth and hold scammers accountable.

Have you been a victim of a high-value cryptocurrency or investment scam? Explore our Asset Tracing and Recovery services or contact Conflict International USA today for a confidential Cyber Intelligence Consultation.

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