U.S. Secret Service Seizes $52.8 Million in Crypto Tied to Telegram Bazaar Scams

U.S. Secret Service freezes crypto linked to Telegram Bazaar

The U.S. Secret Service has seized $52.8 million worth of cryptocurrency that was tied to a Telegram‑based marketplace known as Telegram Bazaar. The agency says the funds were used to support scams that operated across multiple countries.

Key points

• Amount frozen: $52.8 million in various cryptocurrencies.
• Platform involved: Telegram Bazaar, a marketplace on the messaging app Telegram.
• Agency responsible: U.S. Secret Service, a federal law‑enforcement body.

What is confirmed

The Secret Service confirmed the seizure of $52.8 million in crypto assets that were linked to Telegram Bazaar. The agency identified the funds as being used in scams that affected victims worldwide.

Why it matters

Seizing these assets removes money that was funding fraudulent schemes. It also shows that law‑enforcement can target illicit activity that uses blockchain technology, which records transactions on a public ledger.

Sources

• Decrypt