TLDR
- 12 new individuals charged in a $263 million crypto theft operation that stole 4,100 Bitcoin from a Genesis creditor
- The group evolved from online gaming friends into a sophisticated cybercrime ring with members aged 18-22
- They used social engineering, hacking, and even physical burglaries to steal crypto wallets
- Stolen funds were spent on exotic cars worth up to $3.8 million, $500,000 nightclub tabs, and luxury items
- Money laundering techniques included crypto mixers, peel chains, VPNs, and hiding cash in stuffed toys
The Department of Justice has charged 12 more people in connection with a massive cryptocurrency theft operation that stole over $263 million in digital assets, including 4,100 Bitcoin from a single victim.
The charges expand on an earlier indictment against Malone Lam, who was first charged on September 19, 2024.
The group, mostly California residents between 18 and 22 years old, allegedly began as friends playing online games before evolving into what prosecutors describe as a “cyber-enabled racketeering conspiracy.” Two suspects are believed to be in Dubai, while several others have been arrested in the United States.
Members adopted online aliases like “Goth Ferrrari” and “The Accountant,” operating in various roles within the criminal enterprise. Some focused on hacking databases or making cold calls to trick crypto holders, while others conducted physical break-ins to steal hardware wallets containing cryptocurrency.
The operation began around October 2023 and continued through March 2025. The group’s biggest single theft occurred on August 18, 2024, when they allegedly stole over 4,100 Bitcoin valued at more than $230 million from a Genesis creditor.
Sophisticated Theft Methods
The theft ring employed a range of techniques to obtain cryptocurrency. Beyond digital methods, the indictment details how Malone Lam hacked into one victim’s iCloud account to monitor their movements. Meanwhile, defendant Marlon Ferro allegedly burglarized the victim’s home to steal crypto hardware wallets.
To hide their tracks, the group used virtual private networks and cryptocurrency mixer protocols. They also employed a money-laundering tactic known as “peel chains,” where funds are moved through multiple wallets with small amounts “peeled off” at each step.
The defendants face serious charges under the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act. Additional charges include wire fraud and money laundering offenses.
Extravagant Spending Spree
The stolen funds fueled an extravagant lifestyle, according to prosecutors. The group allegedly spent up to $500,000 in single nights at nightclubs and purchased 28 exotic cars, some valued at $3.8 million each.
Luxury items included designer handbags, watches, and clothing. The indictment states they even shipped bulk cash hidden inside Squishmallow stuffed toys to avoid detection.
The group rented luxury homes in the Hamptons, Los Angeles, and Miami using fake identity documents. They also hired private security guards and chartered private jets with the stolen money.
Even after his arrest, lead defendant Lam allegedly continued directing criminal activities from pretrial detention, including having luxury goods delivered to his partner.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are supporting the ongoing investigation, with additional support from FBI offices in Los Angeles and Miami.
Authorities have seized numerous assets from the defendants, including Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Rolls-Royces, designer clothing, luxury watches, and champagne. The investigation remains active, with prosecutors continuing to trace stolen funds and identify additional suspects.
The twelve defendants face various charges, with most charged under RICO conspiracy laws. Nine face additional charges for money laundering, while eight are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
