The FBI seizes NFTs from a scammer worth $100,000

SNEAK PEEK

  • The FBI has captured two NFTs and 86.5 Ether from a stated online fraud scam artist.
  • ZachXBT, an unbiased blockchain sleuth, conducted a thorough investigation into Chase Senecal.
  • Federal law allows the federal government to acquire control of assets linked with a violent act without compensation to the individual.

Following the ZachXBT inquiry, the FBI reclaims $100,000 in NFTs from a scam artist. A Bored Ape Yacht Club and Doodles NFT, 85.6 ether, and a vibrant Audemars Piguet watch were among the items seized, which finally assisted ZachXBT in identifying the accused scam artist.

Chase Senecal, also known as HZ online, was the subject of a major investigation by impartial blockchain sleuth ZachXBT, which was published in September. 

According to the FBI’s official announcement published on Feb. 3, Seneca’s assets, which included a $41,000 Audemars Piguet (AP) Royal Oak Watch, were captured for national confiscation for violating federal law.

The FBI’s notice provided little additional information about the awful experience other than the fact that all of the estate was captured on October 24. The particular NFTs were Bored Ape Yacht Club #9658 and Doodle #3114, which were worth $95,495 and $9,361 at the time of forfeiture, respectively. The 86.5 ETH was worth $116,433 at the time of seizure, but it is now worth $144,000 as of this writing.

At this point, it is uncertain what the true extent of judicial cases against Senecal is. According to the FBI’s law enforcement bulletin, federal law is a law enforcement method that enables the government to eliminate ownership of property associated with a crime without remuneration for the person.

While the FBI has not officially credited ZachXBT, the on-chain sleuth stated on Twitter on Feb. 3 that the asset arrest occurs as a consequence of his investigation. 


This isn’t the first time ZachXBT’s inquiry has been instrumental in assisting government officials. In October, France’s cyber defense unit credited ZachXBT with assisting it in apprehending and charging a group of alleged fraudsters accused of stealing $2.5 million in NFTs via phishing attempts.