A U.S. government contractor accused of stealing more than $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S. Marshals Service has been arrested in Saint Martin following a joint international law enforcement operation, according to the FBI. The operation involved the FBI and France's Gendarmerie Nationale, including its elite tactical unit GIGN.
John Daghita captured in joint FBI-French operation
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on social media that suspect John Daghita was apprehended overnight. The arrest was carried out by the French Gendarmerie Nationale, with support from GIGN, in coordination with the FBI, on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. Patel said, "The FBI will continue working 24/7 with our international partners to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers—no matter where they try to hide."
French Gendarmerie's International Cooperation Team Serious Crime Unit in Saint Martin and tactical support from the Gendarmerie unit based in Guadeloupe contributed to the operation. Patel praised the international coordination as vital for pursuing transnational criminals.
US Marshals Service manages seized crypto assets
The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for managing and disposing of seized assets, including digital currencies confiscated in criminal investigations. Historically, the agency has overseen large crypto holdings from high-profile cases, typically stored in government-controlled wallets until auction or disposal. Authorities allege Daghita stole more than $46 million in crypto from the agency.
Details of how the alleged theft occurred or when the funds were taken have not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have not indicated whether the stolen crypto has been recovered. Daghita faces further legal proceedings as authorities coordinate next steps following his detention.