Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office announced the first-ever transfer of seized cryptocurrency into state management, with over $8.3 million in USDT sent to the National Agency for Finding, Tracing and Management of Assets (ARMA). The funds were seized during an investigation into an international hacker group accused of laundering proceeds from data theft through high-value property. The group allegedly attacked victims in Europe and the U.S., stealing private data, demanding ransoms, and laundering proceeds in Ukraine via real estate and vehicles. Four suspects, including the alleged organizer, have been detained but not yet convicted. Investigators estimate total damages exceed $100 million, with assets worth over $11.1 million seized so far. The transfer follows a court order and comes as Ukraine explores creating a crypto reserve, echoing a U.S. strategy of using forfeited crypto to fund reserves. However, ARMA only holds custody, not ownership, pending conviction.

Key facts

• First transfer of seized crypto to state management in Ukraine history.
• Over $8.3M USDT sent to asset recovery agency ARMA.
• Funds linked to international hacker group laundering data theft proceeds.
• Four suspects detained, not yet convicted; damages over $100M.
• Ukraine explores crypto reserve, similar to US forfeiture strategy.