U.S. Department of Justice Seizes Over ¥63 Billion in Assets Related to Darknet Cryptocurrency Mixer

On the 29th, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of more than $400 million (approximately ¥63.2 billion) in assets related to the darknet-operated cryptocurrency mixer 'Helix'. The seized assets include cryptocurrencies, real estate, and cash holdings. On January 21, Judge Beryl A. Howell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued the final forfeiture order. Larry Dean Harmon, the operator of Helix, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in August 2021 and was sentenced in November 2024 to 36 months in prison. The mixer functioned by blending cryptocurrencies from multiple users, obscuring the origin, destination, and ownership of the funds...