US lawmakers have introduced legislation to create a federal task force focused on cryptocurrency theft, fraud, and hacking investigations.
Summary
- Bipartisan lawmakers have introduced a bill that creates a crypto-crime task force.
- The proposed unit would include the DOJ, FBI, DHS, and Treasury Department.
- The law aims to improve investigations, victim reporting, and law enforcement communications.
This proposal follows a year in which Americans reported crypto-related losses of more than $11 billion. If approved, the measure would establish a unified reporting and enforcement framework across multiple government agencies.
Crypto fraud losses drive call for systematic enforcement
Bipartisan lawmakers have introduced the Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Enforcement and Coordination Act in Congress. The proposal would create a task force led by the attorney general. Officials from the Department of Justice, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Treasury will participate.
The bill comes after a sharp rise in crypto-related complaints across the United States. According to the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report, Americans filed 181,565 cryptocurrency complaints. Those reports resulted in record losses of more than $11.3 billion. Investment fraud generated a large share of those losses. FBI data showed investment scams amounting to about $7.2 billion. The volume of complaints has also increased by 21% compared to last year.
American adults reported the highest losses among all age groups. People over 60 filed 44,555 complaints in 2025. The FBI said those victims lost about $4.43 billion to crypto-related schemes. Meanwhile, blockchain analytics company TRM Labs reported increasing criminal activity involving digital assets. According to the company, funds linked to illegal activity have received 158 billion dollars in cryptocurrency during 2025. This figure stood at $64.5 billion in 2024.
Bill wants a single victim reporting station
Representative Lance Gooden and Representative Josh Gottheimer introduced the legislation. Lawmakers say victims currently lack a central place to report crypto-related crimes. The proposal aims to establish a more integrated response framework.
Gooden said Americans need a united strategy against cryptocurrency criminals. He pointed out that disparate enforcement leaves victims with no clear choice of support. The bill aims to improve communication between agencies handling crypto investigations.
Under the proposal, the task force will coordinate the investigation across all participating agencies. It will also develop standardized guidance for local law enforcement departments. Officials will create procedures to handle cases of cryptocurrency theft and fraud. The law also focuses on helping victims. Lawmakers said the framework would provide a clearer reporting system. Support services will operate through a centralized state structure.
The proposal follows changes in federal crypto use
The bill comes after the Justice Department disbanded the National Cryptocurrency Validation Task Force in 2025. Officials said the previous unit relied heavily on enforcement actions by industry participants. The current proposal instead focuses on crime investigation and victim support. Government agencies are already implementing several programs targeting digital asset crimes.
The FBI’s Operation Level Up identifies scam victims before losses mount. According to the bureau, this measure saved more than $225.8 million by 2025. Other agencies are also continuing crypto enforcement efforts. The Treasury Department’s Scam Strike Team targets overseas fraud networks. Authorities said the program seized more than $700 million in money linked to the scams.
Industry groups have expressed support for the proposal. The Digital Chamber said law enforcement agencies need stronger tools and training. Satoshi Action Fund CEO Dennis Porter said the law will provide a coordinated response for victims’ organizations and investigators. The measure must still move through congressional committees before becoming law. Lawmakers can also attach the proposal to a broader legislative package during the current session.
