Archive · 5 Sep 2025
India, US Seize $150M in Crypto Linked to Drug Trafficking
Imagine some bad guys were selling drugs like Fentanyl and heroin, using secret messages and money called Bitcoin.
The United States asked India for help to catch them.
Together, they found over $150 million worth of Bitcoin used by the drug dealers.
The Indian government helped by looking into where the money was going.
Officials from the US even came to India to help with the investigation, including asking the drug dealers questions.
Because they worked together, the bad guys were arrested in April 2024 and charged with crimes.
This teamwork between the countries was a big win in stopping the drug trade.
US and Indian authorities coordinated to seize $150 million in crypto assets.
The assets were linked to drug trafficking operations.
The investigation was prompted by a request from the US Department of Justice.
Indian ED investigated transfers through a digital payment service.
Collaboration led to arrests and a prosecution complaint filed in April 2024.
- Who
- US and Indian authorities, led by the US Department of Justice and India's ED.
- What
- Seizure of $150 million in cryptocurrency assets linked to drug trafficking.
- When
- The arrests were made in April 2024. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) handbook was released earlier today.
- Where
- The investigation involved collaboration between the US and India.
- Why
- To dismantle a transnational drug trafficking network and combat international money laundering.
- Assets Seized
- $150 million in cryptocurrency
- Primary Crime
- Drug trafficking
- Entities Involved
- US Department of Justice, India's ED
- Key Substances
- Fentanyl, heroin, others
- Date of Arrests
- April 2024