US lawmakers have proposed creating a new Justice Department task force dedicated to fighting cryptocurrency theft, scams, and other digital asset crimes after crypto-related losses surged to record levels in 2025.
The proposal, introduced by Representatives Lance Gooden and Josh Gottheimer, would establish a Federal Cryptocurrency Theft Task Force within the Department of Justice. The task force would operate under the Attorney General or a designated official and would serve as the federal government’s main hub for investigating crypto theft and helping victims recover stolen assets.
The move comes after the FBI reported 181,565 cryptocurrency-related complaints in 2025, with victims reporting more than $11 billion in losses. Overall cybercrime losses reached nearly $21 billion during the year.
If approved, the task force would bring together experts from several federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The Attorney General would also have the authority to include other agencies when needed.
Unlike a regulatory body, the proposed task force would focus on law enforcement and investigations. Its responsibilities would include tracing stolen cryptocurrency, improving investigative methods, collecting and analyzing digital evidence, and helping victims of crypto-related crimes.
The proposal also aims to strengthen cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities. Training programs, technical support, and information-sharing efforts would help law enforcement agencies better handle cryptocurrency investigations. The task force would also work with international partners to tackle cases involving stolen funds moved across borders.
The legislation arrives only months after the Justice Department shut down its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET). The decision was part of a broader policy shift that reduced enforcement pressure on the cryptocurrency industry and focused instead on individuals using digital assets for criminal activity.
The NCET was created during the Biden administration and played a major role in several high-profile crypto cases. These included investigations involving the crypto mixer Tornado Cash, North Korean money laundering operations linked to crypto theft, and the prosecution of Avraham Eisenberg over the $114 million exploit of Mango Markets.
Supporters of the new bill argue that victims of wallet thefts, phishing scams, exchange hacks, and other cryptocurrency crimes often face a confusing and fragmented response from different agencies. They believe a dedicated task force would improve coordination, speed up investigations, and increase the chances of recovering stolen funds.
Importantly, the proposal does not give the task force authority to regulate cryptocurrency markets, digital assets, financial products, or financial institutions. Existing laws and regulatory powers would remain unchanged. Instead, the focus would be solely on investigating crimes, supporting victims, and improving cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
