Scammers Exploit FBI-Seized Bitcoin Wallet Domain to Phish

- Scammers turn a former FBI-seized Bitcoin wallet domain into a phishing site. - The reactivated domain hosts malicious software, targeting users for crypto theft. Scammers have compromised the former domain of Samourai Wallet, a privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The site once served as a hub for privacy-enhancing cryptocurrency tools but now hosts malicious content to deceive users and steal funds. The alarming situation was first reported on March 22, 2026, by Cryptopolitan and Cryptonews.net. By March 23, 2026, scammers had reactivated the domain and now exploit Samourai Wallet's branding to mislead visitors. Previously, the website displayed an FBI seizure notice following the agency’s legal action against Samourai Wallet in August 2025. However, after its last update on March 3, 2026, the domain began serving malicious content. NameCheap remains the listed registrar for the domain. On X (formerly Twitter), user @econoalchemist brought the issue to public attention, cautioning users against downloading software from the compromised site. This incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in how law enforcement manages seized digital assets and raises questions about adequate post-seizure security. Samourai Wallet initially gained recognition for its privacy-focused features like "Whirlpool" for coin mixing and "Ricochet" for obfuscated transactions. However, authorities arrested its founders, Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill, in April 2024. They charged the pair with operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The founders reportedly handled over $2 billion in cryptocurrency transactions, including $100 million tied to dark web marketplaces. After they pleaded guilty, the FBI confiscated the project’s servers and domain. Meanwhile, according to CoinMarketCap data, Bitcoin (BTC) was trading at $70,341.61 as of 16:08 UTC on March 23, reflecting a 2.25% increase. The 24-hour trading volume for the cryptocurrency also grew by 81.94%.