ZachXBT Links US Seized Crypto Theft to Contractor CEO’s Son

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-01-26Last updated on 2026-01-26

Abstract

Blockchain investigator ZachXBT has alleged that the individual responsible for stealing millions of dollars in cryptocurrency from U.S. government-controlled wallets is John Daghita, the son of Dean Daghita, CEO of Command Services and Support (CMDSS). The company was contracted by the U.S. Marshals Service to manage seized digital assets. ZachXBT linked online persona “Lick” to the theft, tracing transactions back to a government wallet tied to the 2016 Bitfinex hack. Approximately $23 million was consolidated into a single wallet during the incident. CMDSS has not commented, and no criminal charges have been filed.

ZachXBT, a blockchain investigator, has claimed that the person accountable for a multimillion-dollar robbery of cryptocurrency from US government-curbed wallets is the son of the CEO of a company contracted to protect captured digital assets.

ZachXBT posted his detailed findings, claiming that a body known online as “Lick”, recognised as John Daghita, drained tens of millions of dollars in crypto from wallets associated with the US government.

He further claimed that Daghita is the son of Dean Daghita, president and CEO of Command Services and Support (CMDSS), a firm contracted by the US Marshals Service to manage some captured cryptocurrencies.

Public records reveal that CMDSS, based in Haymarket, Virginia, was awarded a contract in October 2024 to help the Marshals Service with the custody and disposal of so-called “Class 2-4” digital assets.

These comprise tokens that aren’t backed by prominent centralised exchanges and mostly need bespoke handling. The claim hasn’t been tested in court, and no criminal charges have been publicised.

At the time of writing, CMDSS had not officially commented on the matter. The claims of ZachXBT were highlighted with the publication of January 23, which associated the same online persona with over $90 million in suspected illegal crypto activity.

The Investigation

The investigation followed the trail back to a U.S. government wallet linked with assets captured from the 2016 Bitfinex hack. The inquiry gained traction after a listed dispute in a Telegram group chat between “Lick” and another individual.

At the time of exchange, “Lick” screen-shared an Exodus wallet showing a Tron address holding around $2.3 million after a live transfer of around $6.7 million in Ether. With the conclusion of the session, around $23 million had been united into a single wallet.

After the transactions were traced backward, ZachXBT associated that wallet with an address that got $24.9 million from a US government-controlled wallet in March 2024.

Highlighted Crypto News Today:

Metaplanet Lifts 2026 Outlook Despite $680M BTC Write-Down

AMLBot launches AI Tracer for self-service blockchain investigations

AMLBot, a crypto forensics firm, has launched "AI Tracer," a self-service blockchain analysis tool. It automates the tracing of visible fund movements from a starting transaction hash across multiple blockchain networks, following funds through bridges and multiple wallets. The AI matches encountered wallets against known entity labels like exchanges. The tool is designed to simplify investigations for users like journalists, researchers, and law enforcement, removing the need for specialist software or deep expertise. It offers a free check with paid plans for higher usage. However, it cannot track internal exchange transfers, determine payment intent, freeze assets, or guarantee recovery; its reports are an investigative starting point, not a legal replacement. Currently supported networks include Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain, Solana, Cardano, Ripple, and several others.

cointelegraph32m ago

AMLBot launches AI Tracer for self-service blockchain investigations

cointelegraph32m ago

Stocks Fell Even More Violently Than Crypto, Where Did the Money Go?

From June to late July 2026, global stock markets, particularly technology and semiconductor stocks, experienced severe declines, with South Korea's KOSPI index facing historic circuit breakers and shedding 40% from its June peak. Key catalysts included SK Hynix's earnings miss despite record profits and competitive pressures from China's CXMT IPO. A global forced deleveraging event unfolded, devastating highly leveraged instruments like the 2x leveraged SK Hynix ETF, which lost over 80% of its value. Surprisingly, Bitcoin showed relative stability during this period, rising roughly 15% from its July low. The article clarifies this wasn't due to an inflow of equity flight capital but because Bitcoin had already undergone a significant correction in May and June, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs seeing record outflows. True safe-haven flows went to gold, severing Bitcoin's short-term "digital gold" narrative. The sell-off is characterized not as an AI story collapse but a liquidity-driven清算 of crowded leveraged positions, potentially halfway through according to some analysts. For substantial capital to return to Bitcoin, the article cites necessary conditions: eased global liquidity pressure, a soft-landing Fed rate cut, and regulatory clarity from the stalled U.S. CLARITY Act. The conclusion is that Bitcoin is not a current safe haven but a pre-cleared asset. Its decoupling from tech stocks highlights its potential future role as a non-correlated asset for institutional portfolios, positioning it favorably for when global capital reallocates post-crisis.

marsbit36m ago

Stocks Fell Even More Violently Than Crypto, Where Did the Money Go?

marsbit36m ago

Cryptocurrency Project Backed by 140 Companies, Including Visa and BlackRock, Launched! This Giant Altcoin Was Chosen!

A new generation stablecoin project called Open USD (OUSD), aimed at institutional investors and backed by a consortium of over 140 companies including Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, and BlackRock, is preparing for launch. Initially launching on the Ethereum platform, OUSD is positioned to simplify corporate transactions using digital dollars. The project, led by Open Standard, aims to allow businesses to issue and exchange OUSD without fees or volume limits. A notable feature is its reserve revenue-sharing model, which plans to distribute earnings from OUSD reserves to ecosystem partners after deducting operational management fees, presenting a different approach compared to some existing major stablecoin models. The launch on Ethereum is seen as significant for further solidifying the platform's leading role in institutional finance, particularly for applications involving stablecoins, real-world assets (RWA), and tokenization.

cryptonews.ru39m ago

Cryptocurrency Project Backed by 140 Companies, Including Visa and BlackRock, Launched! This Giant Altcoin Was Chosen!

cryptonews.ru39m ago

US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Crypto Service Hormuz Safe for Bitcoin Payments

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, via OFAC, imposed sanctions on two Iranian companies, Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company (PGMIC) and Hormuz Safe Marine Services Authority, accusing them of operating a sanctions evasion scheme involving maritime insurance paid for with cryptocurrencies. The action also targeted eight vessels and eight companies allegedly part of Iran's "shadow fleet." OFAC stated that Iranian authorities forced commercial vessels to purchase mandatory insurance for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The Hormuz Safe platform, launched in May 2026 with involvement from Iran's Ministry of Economy, allowed policy payments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which the U.S. claims enabled Iran to generate revenue and circumvent sanctions. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent condemned Iran's attempts to "hold global trade hostage" and fund activities of the IRGC. Furthermore, OFAC sanctioned shipping companies and tankers accused of transporting millions of barrels of Iranian oil to China, the UAE, and other destinations despite international restrictions. All designated assets under U.S. jurisdiction are now blocked, and transactions with them by U.S. persons are prohibited. These sanctions come amid reported diplomatic outreach from the U.S. to Iran, which has so far gone unanswered by the IRGC.

cryptonews.ru41m ago

US Imposes Sanctions on Iranian Crypto Service Hormuz Safe for Bitcoin Payments

cryptonews.ru41m ago

"The Final Phase Before the New Cycle". What Will Happen to Bitcoin in August

"Bitcoin Faces Crucial Test in August: Experts Predict Consolidation or Further Decline" The price of Bitcoin (BTC) is expected to remain under pressure in August, with experts anticipating either consolidation within a narrow range or a potential drop below $60,000. Despite a double-digit recovery from its July low near $58,000, BTC ended the month trading around $63,500, still roughly 50% below its October 2025 peak of $126,200. Analysts cite several headwinds: a challenging macroeconomic environment with high US interest rates and persistent inflation, which makes fixed-income assets more attractive than speculative ones like crypto. Furthermore, competition for capital is intense, with many investors favoring AI-related stocks. This is reflected in significant outflows from US spot Bitcoin ETFs, with a record $4.5 billion leaving in June and a net outflow of $5.4 billion for the first half of the year. Historically, August is a weak month for crypto, with a median return of -7.49% from 2013 to 2025. Experts also note regulatory uncertainty in the US, particularly the stalled CLARITY Act, as a dampening factor. Despite the bearish near-term outlook, several experts view the current phase as the "last phase before a new Bitcoin cycle" begins, potentially in Q4 2024. This makes it a favorable time for accumulating Bitcoin for the long term. Key price levels to watch are support at $60,000-$61,000, with a break below $58,000 potentially leading to $53,000-$55,000. A move above $67,000 could target $70,000-$75,000, though this is considered a lower probability scenario.

cryptonews.ru42m ago

"The Final Phase Before the New Cycle". What Will Happen to Bitcoin in August

cryptonews.ru42m ago

Trading

Spot

ZachXBT Links US Seized Crypto Theft to Contractor CEO’s Son

Abstract

The Investigation

Related Questions

Related Reads