US files action to return embezzled money in Bitcoin to Sony

The U.S. Department of Justice is trying to return more than $150 million that was embezzled from Sony and was later converted to bitcoin.

In May, an employee of Sony Life Insurance Company in Tokyo diverted $154 million and deposited the money to a personal bank account when the company was trying to transfer funds between financial accounts.

The employee, Rei Ishii, converted that money into bitcoin, the FBI found. The 3,879 bitcoin tokens bought are now worth $180 million, said the Department. The FBI seized the funds on December 1.

On Monday, the U.S. filed a civil forfeiture complaint to return the embezzled funds to Sony. Ishii has been criminally charged in Japan.

“It is our intent to return the stolen money to the victim of this audacious theft, and today’s action helps us do that,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “This case is an example of amazing work by FBI agents and Japanese law enforcement, who teamed up to track this virtual cash. Criminals should take note: You cannot rely on cryptocurrency to hide your ill-gotten gains from law enforcement. The United States coordinates extensively with its international partners to forestall crime and retrieve stolen funds.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team, the FBI and Japanese authorities for their excellent work on this case.