Federal Contractor Arrested in Caribbean for Alleged $46 Million Cryptocurrency Theft, FBI Reports
March 5, 2026 – CBS News
John Daghita, a federal contractor accused of stealing $46 million worth of cryptocurrency from the U.S. Marshals Service, was apprehended Wednesday night on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. The arrest was announced by FBI Director Kash Patel via social media, highlighting the successful international operation.
Arrest in Saint Martin Following Joint International Effort
Photos released by the FBI and Saint Martin police show Daghita in handcuffs near a swimming pool, alongside images depicting a suitcase overflowing with cash, accompanied by computer flash drives and a passport. The arrest was carried out in close cooperation with multiple French law enforcement units, including the International Cooperation Team Serious Crime Unit of the French Gendarmerie Nationale in Saint Martin and the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale of Guadeloupe.
FBI Director Patel emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation, stating, “Last night, John Daghita – a U.S. government contractor who allegedly stole more than $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S Marshals Service – was arrested on the island of Saint Martin by the French Gendarmerie’s premier elite tactical unit in a joint operation.”
Details of the Alleged Cryptocurrency Theft Remain Unclear
Despite the arrest, it remains unclear how Daghita accessed the digital currency in the first place. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the method of theft or whether additional individuals are involved.
The FBI has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing individuals who defraud American taxpayers regardless of their location. Director Patel said, “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.”
Context and Ongoing Investigations
The theft of such a significant amount of cryptocurrency from a federal agency has raised serious concerns about security vulnerabilities in digital asset management within the government. While specifics about the investigation are limited, the arrest signifies a pivotal development in the case.
Further updates from authorities are anticipated as investigations proceed. The coordinated international law enforcement efforts underscore the global nature of cybercrime and the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing these challenges.
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