U.S. and French authorities have taken into custody a former U.S. government contractor accused of orchestrating a $46 million cryptocurrency theft, as announced by the FBI on Thursday.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the arrest of John Daghita, emphasizing the coordinated effort between the FBI and the French Gendarmerie. The operation took place on the Caribbean island of St. Martin, showcasing international collaboration in combating financial crimes.
“Last night, John Daghita—a former U.S. government contractor who is alleged to have stolen over $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S. Marshals Service—was apprehended on Saint Martin by the French Gendarmerie’s elite tactical unit, in a joint operation with the FBI,” Patel stated in a message shared on X.
He extended his gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the International Cooperation Team Serious Crime Unit of the French Gendarmerie National in Saint Martin, alongside the Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale of Guadeloupe, for their exceptional coordination.”
The arrest took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in the Caribbean, marking a significant success in international law enforcement efforts. The FBI’s commitment to pursuing those who defraud American taxpayers remains steadfast, as Patel added, “The FBI will continue working around the clock with our international partners to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers—no matter where they try to hide.”
“FBI will continue working 24/7 with our international partners to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayers—no matter where they try to hide,” he added.
Daghita’s recently-deleted LinkedIn page said he worked for Command Services & Support, a Virginia-based firm run by his father, Dean Daghita, according to the New York Post. The company held contracts with the U.S. Marshalls Service that allowed them to manage digital currency seized by the law enforcement agency.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced Daghita’s arrest on Thursday. (Daniel Heuer/AFP via Getty Images)
Authorities who carried out the arrest found a briefcase full of cash as well as multiple USB drives.
Daghita’s arrest comes roughly a month after authorities in Arizona arrested two California teens in an Arizona home invasion tied to an alleged $66 million cryptocurrency plot.
The teens, who are not being identified by Fox News Digital because they are both under the age of 18, allegedly posed as delivery drivers to gain access to the Scottsdale home on Jan. 31, before forcing their way inside and duct-taping and assaulting two homeowners inside.
During the home invasion, one of the victims denied having cryptocurrency, authorities said. An adult son in the home was able to call police from another room. When officers arrived, the teenagers fled but were later caught and arrested.
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