Ex-FBI Counterintelligence Agent Stole $2.47M in Crypto

Patrick Steven Yaroch, a former FBI counterintelligence agent, admitted to stealing nearly $2.5 million in cryptocurrency by abusing his access to agency systems and open investigations. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Yaroch made roughly 100 fraudulent transfers connected to 35 FBI investigations, netting $2,474,380.66.

The stolen assets came from wallets associated with criminal groups and adversarial nations that were under investigation. Yaroch exchanged and laundered the proceeds through financial transactions to conceal their source and ownership, according to prosecutors. His actions compromised multiple FBI investigations and potentially affected national-security operations.

Yaroch, 37, used the stolen cryptocurrency to pay off personal debts and fund his planned relocation to Portugal, where he intended to purchase a vineyard. He has admitted to wire fraud and money laundering and faces up to 20 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 4, 2027.