A Nigerian scammer, masquerading as Steve Witkoff—an ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump—has reportedly swindled a political donor out of $250,000 in cryptocurrency. This revelation emerged from a recent press announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The scam, executed with alarming precision, underscores the persistent vulnerabilities in the digital currency domain.
A Deceptive Ruse Uncovered
The fraudster, leveraging a spoofed email that bore uncanny resemblance to Witkoff’s legitimate Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee address, orchestrated a scheme that duped at least one donor into transferring $250,000 in USDT.ETH to the scammer’s wallet. Despite the elaborate attempts to launder the funds, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) managed to freeze a portion, precisely 40,300 USDT.ETH, from an account linked to Ehiremen Aigbokhan, a Lagos-based fraudster. This account, intriguingly, was held on Binance—a platform that has faced its share of scrutiny over security concerns. For more on how scammers have targeted high-profile political figures, see our coverage of the Scammer Posed as Trump-Vance Official to Steal $250K in Crypto, DOJ Says.
The Long Arm of Justice
With the U.S. Attorney’s Office actively working to return the retrieved funds to the victim, the case marks yet another chapter in the ongoing battle against cryptocurrency fraud. Over $210,000 remains elusive, highlighting the intricate challenges law enforcement faces in the blockchain arena. “All donors should double and triple check that they are sending cryptocurrency to their intended recipient,” cautioned U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Her statement encapsulates the high stakes involved in crypto transactions, where the decentralized nature of blockchain can both empower and endanger.
The quest for justice doesn’t stop at fund recovery. U.S. authorities are reportedly pursuing a formal arrest warrant for Aigbokhan. The narrative of “yahoo boys”—a colloquial term for Nigerian online fraudsters—resurfaces, painting a stark picture of how digital advancements can be manipulated for nefarious purposes.
Industry Cooperation and Implications
The investigation saw cooperation from major crypto entities like Binance and Tether, underscoring the industry’s collective responsibility to thwart illicit activities. As the Department of Justice (DOJ) noted, such partnerships are pivotal in navigating the complex web of digital crime. This collaborative approach is reminiscent of other significant enforcement actions, such as the Secret Service seizes $400M in crypto, cold wallet among world’s largest, which highlights the scale of resources dedicated to combating crypto-related crimes.
This incident also casts a spotlight on the intertwining of politics and cryptocurrency. Witkoff, along with his son Zach, maintains close ties with the Trump family’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial. It raises questions about the due diligence exercised by donors and the security protocols implemented by political organizations dabbling in crypto.
A Cautionary Tale for the Crypto World
The ripple effects of this scam extend beyond the immediate financial loss. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding stakeholders of the perpetual need for vigilance in a market that thrives on anonymity. As digital currencies continue to gain traction, the line between innovation and exploitation blurs, challenging both regulators and participants to adapt swiftly.
Looking ahead, the crypto community is left pondering: how can such scams be preemptively thwarted? And will increased regulation stifle the very innovation that drew users to crypto in the first place? As these debates unfold, one thing remains clear—trust and transparency must be at the forefront of the cryptocurrency dialogue.
Source
This article is based on: Nigerian Scammer Posing as Trump Ally Steve Witkoff Stole 250K in Crypto From One Political Donor
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
