CoinDesk Podcast Network U.S. Marshals Investigate $40M Crypto Theft Linked to Government Contractor's Son | CoinDesk Daily
Jan 27, 2026
A major theft allegation involving over $40 million in seized crypto and a government contractor's son dominates the discussion. A leaked Telegram screen-share appears to have exposed how funds were traced. A corporate buyer makes a massive Ether purchase and outlines a staking and treasury strategy. The segment ends with quick market moves in Bitcoin and Ether.
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Alleged Theft By Contractor's Son
- John Lick-Dagita allegedly drained over $40 million from wallets managed by his father's company CMDSS.
- ZachXBT traced the funds to government seizures and flagged the transfers publicly on Telegram and social channels.
Bitmine's Massive ETH Accumulation
- Bitmine bought 40,302 ETH (~$117 million), boosting its position as the largest corporate Ether holder.
- The firm now stakes nearly half its treasury and holds over 3.5% of circulating ETH to generate yield.
Derivatives Traders Seek Cheap Upside
- Bitcoin's recent 7% drop coincided with $1.3 billion in ETF outflows and made traders buy put options for downside protection.
- Analysts note crowded put positioning has made call options relatively cheap, creating low-cost upside exposure if a bounce occurs.