Federal Contractor Accused of Stealing $46 Million in Cryptocurrency Arrested in the Caribbean, FBI Reports
March 5, 2026 — A federal contractor allegedly involved in a massive cryptocurrency theft totaling $46 million has been apprehended in the Caribbean, according to an announcement from the FBI.
John Daghita, the contractor accused of stealing the digital assets from the U.S. Marshals Service, was taken into custody Wednesday night on the island of Saint Martin. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest via social media, sharing images that showed Daghita being led away in handcuffs near a swimming pool. Additional photos published by the FBI and local authorities displayed a suitcase filled with cash, surrounded by computer flash drives and a passport, reportedly seized during the arrest.
The operation was a coordinated international effort involving the FBI and French law enforcement agencies, specifically the International Cooperation Team Serious Crime Unit of the French Gendarmerie National stationed in Saint Martin, along with the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale from Guadeloupe. This collaboration underscored the global reach of law enforcement in pursuing crimes committed across borders.
Details regarding how Daghita accessed or transferred the cryptocurrency remain unclear. However, Director Patel emphasized the FBI’s commitment to pursuing individuals who defraud American taxpayers, stating, “The FBI will continue working 24/7 with our international partners to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers—no matter where they try to hide.”
The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by federal agencies in securing digital assets and cracking down on cybercrime and theft involving cryptocurrency. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft and any potential accomplices.
This high-profile arrest comes as federal and international agencies increase their focus on cryptocurrency-related crimes, reflecting the significant monetary amounts involved and the complexities of tracking illicit activities in digital currencies.
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