Pig butchering scam leads to $1.4m crypto seizure by Virginia police

Loudoun County police in Virginia have seized $1.4 million in cryptocurrency linked to a “pig butchering” scam.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that approximately $1.4 million tied to the scam was recovered, marking one of the largest crypto seizures in Virginia, according to police reports.

Sheriff Mike Chapman emphasized the department’s commitment to holding fraudsters accountable, stating: “If you commit fraud, especially a fraud of this magnitude, know that Loudoun County is coming for you.”

The case began when a victim received an unsolicited text message addressed to the wrong person. This led to online conversations in which the scammer gained the victim’s trust and persuaded them to invest in cryptocurrency through a fraudulent trading platform.

After an initial test withdrawal, the victim was tricked into investing more money. When they attempted to withdraw their funds, they were told to pay excessive taxes upfront—a common tactic in pig butchering scams.

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office detectives, all certified in blockchain investigations, traced the stolen funds as part of their growing focus on cybercrime.

The agency reported investigating 107 crypto-related cases last year, with total losses exceeding $13 million.

Authorities urge residents to be cautious of unsolicited messages, verify investment platforms, and consult financial professionals before making significant investments.

Victims of crypto scams in Loudoun County are encouraged to report incidents to LCSO to improve the chances of recovering lost funds.