An FBI Agent Stole $2.47 Million In Cryptocurrency And Asked An AI Where To Start A New Life
- 6.11.2026, 23:03
Among the options, the chatbot suggested Portugal and buying a vineyard.
A former employee of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Patrick Stephen Yarok pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering. He used his official access to classified agency materials to transfer cryptocurrency from other people’s wallets to his own accounts, reports the U.S. Department of Justice, citing court documents.
According to the investigation, 37-year-old Yarok had worked at the FBI’s Boston field office since 2017 and transferred to the Counterintelligence and Espionage Division in February 2025. Thanks to his new position, he gained access to investigative materials with which he had no direct connection.
According to court documents, in December 2024, Yarok began transferring funds from these wallets to his own accounts. Among them were wallets belonging to individuals involved in investigations linked to foreign governments, as well as one wallet created by the FBI itself for an operation. In total, he used data related to 35 investigations.
The investigation revealed that the former agent carried out approximately 100 fraudulent transactions, through which he managed to obtain about $2.47 million.
In addition, it was established that Yarok exchanged the stolen cryptocurrency for other digital assets and transferred it between accounts. Part of the funds was used to pay off credit card debt, a car loan, and other loans. From November 2025 to January 2026, approximately $93,000 was deposited into one of his accounts.
Court documents also revealed Yarok’s plans to start a new life abroad. He asked ChatGPT how to invest his money most profitably and which European Union country to choose for relocation. Among the options, the chatbot suggested Portugal and the purchase of a vineyard.
Following this recommendation, Yarok contacted Portuguese lawyers, executed a power of attorney, and began the process of obtaining a tax ID number. He planned to travel to the country in September 2026.
According to investigators, the former agent’s actions jeopardized several FBI investigations and exposed sources and methods of intelligence gathering. Yarok’s sentencing is scheduled for March 4, 2027. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
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