A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives proposes creating a Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force to coordinate investigations into crypto theft, including fraud, hacking, and pig butchering. Led by the U.S. attorney general, the task force would involve the FBI, DOJ, Treasury, and Homeland Security, aiming to provide a unified federal response. Sponsors Representatives Lance Gooden (R-TX) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) argue that current jurisdictional inconsistencies leave victims without recourse, citing $11 billion in thefts and scams last year. The bill offers a voluntary framework respecting local control. It follows the disbandment of the DOJ's National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team under the Trump administration and parallels existing coordination bodies like the Joint Ransomware Task Force and Treasury's Scam Center Strike Force, which has seized over $700 million from crypto scams. The bill's passage remains uncertain amid a busy congressional session.

Key facts

• Bill creates Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force led by U.S. Attorney General.
• Involves FBI, DOJ, Treasury, and Homeland Security in investigations.
• Sponsored by Rep. Gooden (R-TX) and Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ).
• Cites $11 billion in thefts and scams in 2024 as justification.
• Follows disbandment of DOJ's enforcement team and existing task force models.