Feds Seek Forfeiture of $200K in USDT Tied to Tinder ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam
U.S. federal prosecutors in Massachusetts are seeking to recover over $200,000 in USDT cryptocurrency linked to an online investment scam that defrauded a Massachusetts resident. The victim was targeted on Tinder by a scammer posing as a financial advisor, who persuaded them to invest via a fraudulent crypto platform after moving the conversation to WhatsApp. The victim ultimately lost about $504,000 before contacting authorities. This type of fraud, known as “pig-butchering,” combines romance, social engineering, and investment deception, and is part of a wider trend; crypto-related crime rose 162% in 2025, with illicit addresses receiving at least $154 billion, particularly due to scams and flows to sanctioned entities. Organized crime groups, especially in Southeast Asia, are increasingly linked to these schemes, prompting international law enforcement action. However, experts note that recovering victims’ funds is challenging—especially when assets are quickly moved or exchanged—and law enforcement cooperation remains uneven globally, often leaving victims with little recourse.
