An FBI agent, Patrick Steven Yaroch, has been accused of stealing more than $900,000 in cryptocurrency from accounts the agency was monitoring. According to court records, Yaroch became frustrated by what he saw as government inaction over the misuse of crypto accounts and used his internal agency access to transfer the crypto holdings to his personal account.
Investigation and Arrest
The FBI fired Yaroch, and he was arrested last week. A criminal complaint lists charges against him related to the interstate transport of stolen goods and the receipt of stolen goods. An attorney for Yaroch was not listed in court records.
The FBI gathers intelligence on cryptocurrency accounts allegedly used by criminal and state actors. However, when and how to act on those accounts is often decided on a case-by-case basis. The affidavit also reflects how artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies are changing criminal investigations.
According to the affidavit, Yaroch allegedly asked ChatGPT for advice on how to leave the USA and become a resident or citizen of an EU country with a significant amount of money. ChatGPT responded with an answer catered to Yaroch’s age and lifestyle.
The FBI spokesperson stated that the agency immediately took action, began an investigation, and ultimately executed an arrest warrant for Yaroch. The spokesperson emphasized that the FBI holds its employees to the highest ethical standards and that this conduct is not tolerated.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
