A former FBI supervisory agent has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $2.5 million in cryptocurrency by exploiting his access to sensitive federal investigative records. The stolen funds came from digital wallets associated with criminal suspects, financial fraud victims, foreign state actors, and an FBI operation.
Patrick Steven Yaroch, 37, admitted to wire fraud and money laundering in a federal court in Virginia on November 5, 2026. According to the US Department of Justice, he carried out approximately 100 unauthorized cryptocurrency transfers involving credentials connected to 35 separate FBI investigations, obtaining $2,474,380.66.
Yaroch joined the FBI’s Boston Division in 2017, working on national security investigations involving a foreign adversary. In February 2025, he moved to the bureau’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, where he held a supervisory position until his dismissal in July 2026.
The thefts began no later than December 2024. Rather than breaking into FBI systems, Yaroch abused his authorized access to investigative databases containing cryptocurrency wallet credentials collected during federal investigations.
Using those credentials, he transferred digital assets into wallets under his control. Court records indicate that the affected accounts included wallets belonging to people under investigation, at least 10 victims of financial crimes, and foreign state actors.
Individual transfers ranged from less than one dollar to more than $580,000. After moving the cryptocurrency, Yaroch exchanged it for other digital assets and routed the funds through additional transactions to conceal their origin and ownership.
Between November 2025 and January 2026, he transferred approximately $93,000 into personal accounts. Some of that money was used to pay credit card balances, vehicle expenses, and other outstanding debts.
Investigators also discovered that Yaroch had been preparing to relocate to Portugal. In June 2026, he consulted ChatGPT about investment opportunities and moving to the European Union, receiving suggestions involving property and vineyard ownership.
He subsequently authorized Portuguese lawyers to obtain a local tax identification number and arranged travel to the country. Prosecutors said he intended to use proceeds from the cryptocurrency thefts to finance a new life abroad.
The investigation accelerated after Yaroch disclosed his misconduct to federal officials on July 29, 2026. He was placed on administrative leave that day and arrested at his residence on July 31, when his FBI employment was terminated.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the damage extended beyond the financial losses. By accessing and exploiting sensitive investigative materials, Yaroch compromised operations involving criminal organizations and foreign adversaries, potentially exposing investigative techniques and intelligence collection methods.
Under his plea agreement, Yaroch faces restitution and forfeiture obligations exceeding $2.4 million. Authorities have also identified cryptocurrency holdings and financial accounts connected to the stolen proceeds.
Yaroch is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2027. Each of the two offenses carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, although the actual sentence will be determined by the court.