A U.S. government contractor accused of stealing more than $46 million in crypto from the U.S. Marshals Service has been arrested in Saint Martin following a joint international law enforcement operation, according to the FBI.
Summary
- John Daghita was arrested in Saint Martin for allegedly stealing more than $46 million in cryptocurrency from the United States Marshals Service.
- The arrest followed a joint operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and France’s French Gendarmerie Nationale, including the elite Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale.
- Kash Patel said the case highlights continued international cooperation to track down suspects accused of defrauding U.S. government agencies.
John Daghita captured in a joint FBI operation
In a statement shared on social media, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that suspect John Daghita was apprehended overnight by the Federal Bureau of Investigation working alongside France’s elite law enforcement units.
The arrest took place on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin.
According to Patel, the operation was carried out by the French Gendarmerie Nationale, including its elite tactical force, the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale, in coordination with the FBI.
Authorities allege that Daghita stole more than $46 million in cryptocurrency from the United States Marshals Service, a federal agency responsible for managing and securing seized assets, including digital currencies confiscated in criminal investigations. The agency has historically overseen large crypto holdings obtained through high-profile cases, with funds typically stored in government-controlled wallets until they are auctioned or otherwise disposed of.
Patel praised the international coordination involved in the arrest, highlighting assistance from the French Gendarmerie’s International Cooperation Team Serious Crime Unit in Saint Martin as well as tactical support from the Gendarmerie unit based in Guadeloupe.
“FBI will continue working 24/7 with our international partners to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers—no matter where they try to hide,” Patel said.
Details about how the alleged theft occurred or when the funds were taken have not yet been publicly disclosed. Authorities have also not indicated whether the stolen crypto has been recovered.
Daghita is expected to face further legal proceedings as authorities coordinate next steps following his detention in Saint Martin.