NAIROBI (CoinChapter.com) — Michael Pratt, once America’s most wanted sex trafficking fugitive, was finally captured in Dec. 2022 in Madrid after evading authorities for three years.
Investigators followed a trail of cryptocurrency transactions, particularly involving Bitcoin, which ultimately led them to his location.
Pratt, a New Zealander, had fled after his 2019 indictment for masterminding a sex trafficking ring that exploited over 400 young women.
His arrest marked a key turning point in the case. Following his capture, the FBI shifted its focus to recovering his illicit assets, including $500,000 in Bitcoin stored in four cryptocurrency wallets.
Crypto data leak Leads to Arrest and Asset Recovery
The investigation into Michael Pratt’s whereabouts gained momentum in 2020 after a major data breach exposed the personal details of over 700,000 Ledger customers.
Pratt used his real name to receive a hardware wallet in Barcelona before his indictment. This clue, combined with his later use of an alias, allowed investigators to track his movements across Europe.
A breakthrough occurred when investigators uncovered Pratt’s Swiss ID and Ledger wallets at ‘Mailboxes Etc.’ in Barcelona. This discovery led directly to his arrest at a Madrid hotel, where authorities found the cryptocurrency wallets containing Bitcoin.
U.S. federal prosecutors now focus on recovering these funds. The money is believed to have been generated from the exploitation of victims through the notorious Girls Do Porn website.
Victims Seek Justice as Michael Pratt Fights to Retain Bitcoin
Michael Pratt continues to fight to retain his Bitcoin while victims of his trafficking ring intensify their quest for justice. The four hardware wallets, crucial in Pratt’s capture, now stand at the center of the legal battle.
These wallets contain Bitcoin that Pratt acquired during his years of criminal activity. Federal prosecutors argue that these tainted assets must be returned to the victims.
Meanwhile, victims, still suffering from the exploitation, push for Bitcoin to be included in their restitution. They believe the funds obtained through deceit and abuse rightfully belong to those wronged.
As Pratt’s trial approaches, the conflict over these Bitcoin holdings escalates. Both victims and federal prosecutors remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.
With Pratt’s next court date scheduled for Sept. 6, the legal confrontation over the Bitcoin holdings is reaching a critical point. Victims, who have endured years of waiting for justice, hope the court will rule in their favor, ensuring Pratt’s Bitcoin contributes to their recovery.
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