When Santa Clara County prosecutor Erin West first learned about pig butchering scams, her immediate thought was victim recovery. As the prosecutor connected to the REACT high-tech task force, she recognized that her team’s expertise in blockchain investigations could play a pivotal role in tracking down victim assets, seizing them, and returning them to their rightful owners. In December 2022, she proved just how possible that was when a judge authorized the return of over a million dollars to eight victims of pig butchering scams.

West soon discovered that other agencies were tackling similar cases and reached out to like-minded partners: Prosecutor Alona Katz from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor Jon Scharf from the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, and Matt Hogan and Michael Grabowski from the Connecticut State Police.

Realizing the power of collaboration, they decided to pool their expertise, and the Crypto Coalition was born.

Today, the coalition has grown into a network of more than 2,000 local, state, federal, and international partners. Together, they share best practices and participate in webinars that teach the ins and outs of cryptocurrency investigation and asset seizure.

The Crypto Coalition has become a thriving community of collaborators, demonstrating what’s possible when passionate professionals come together with a shared mission to make a difference. It’s proof that teamwork really can change the game.

In January 2025, Santa Clara County will host the 3rd Annual in-person conference for the Coalition, attended by more than 180 investigators, prosecutors, and analysts from 25 states and three countries.

If you are law enforcement practicing in this area, you must join the Coalition. Click the Join the Fight button to join this hard-working team that is enabling suspect identification and victim recovery using blockchain as an investigative tool. We would love to have you.