U.S. Government Takes Control of $400M in Bitcoin, Assets Tied to Helix Mixer
The U.S. government legally seized over $400 million in assets, including Bitcoin and real estate, linked to the darknet mixer Helix.Summary
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., finalized the forfeiture of over $400 million in assets tied to the darknet bitcoin mixing service, Helix, transferring ownership to the U.S. government. The assets include thousands of bitcoin, cash, and an Ohio mansion, following the conviction of Helix operator Larry Dean Harmon. Helix processed about 354,468 bitcoin between 2014 and 2017, primarily serving darknet drug markets. Harmon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced in November 2024 to three years in prison, plus forfeiture. The seized property includes a $680,000 Akron, Ohio home purchased in 2016, which the IRS will auction, along with approximately 4,500 bitcoin (valued near $355 million currently) and over $325,000 in cash. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated the case demonstrates that the darknet is not a safe haven for criminal activity.
(Source：Bitcoin Magazine)