Florida seizes $1.5 million in cryptocurrency including Dogecoin, Pepe, and Solana in a case involving a Chinese citizen

Florida authorities have seized approximately $1.5 million worth of cryptocurrency after tracing the funds from an investment scam in Citrus County to the wallet of Tu Weizhi, a Chinese citizen. Tu is accused of money laundering, major theft, and organized fraud. The investigation began when a local resident reported losing $47,421 in July 2024 after investing in a fake online platform. Authorities identified the funds transferred to a wallet controlled by Tu and requested a warrant to seize the entire balance, including AVAX, DOGE, PEPE, and SOL, valued at around $1.5 million.

Florida applies the “fugitive disentitlement” mechanism, allowing asset seizure when the defendant is outside the jurisdiction and fails to appear in court. Tu is believed to be in China and would be apprehended if entering the United States. Federal agencies have previously noted that investment scams continue to cause billions of dollars in damages each year.