DOJ Seeks Forfeiture of Over $2.3 Million in Bitcoin Linked to Chaos Ransomware Group Member

Key Points

1. The DOJ filed a civil complaint to forfeit 20.2891382 Bitcoin tied to 'Hors,' seized by the FBI in April 2025.

2. Chaos ransomware group operates as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, targeting Windows, Linux, ESXi, and NAS systems.

3. The DOJ collaborates with law enforcement and uses blockchain analytics to trace and recover cryptocurrency linked to ransomware.

4. This seizure is part of broader efforts, including past recoveries like $9 billion from the Bitfinex hack and $40,300 USDT from a Tether scam.

5. The action underscores the DOJ's focus on disrupting ransomware operations but highlights ongoing challenges in combating such cybercrime.