Bold US Cybercrime Bill: Unleashing Digital Privateers Against Crypto Threats
A groundbreaking proposal in the United States could dramatically reshape the fight against online crime. Specifically, a new US cybercrime bill aims to combat sophisticated digital threats. This legislation introduces a controversial concept: state-sanctioned ‘digital privateers’. Consequently, this move signals a significant shift in national cybersecurity strategy, directly targeting rampant crypto theft and other pervasive scams.
The Bold Proposal: Combating Cybercrime with Digital Privateers
Arizona lawmaker David Schweikert introduced “The Scam Farms Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025” in August. This bill proposes a unique approach to cybersecurity. It authorizes the US president to issue ‘letters of marque’ to private entities. These ‘privately armed and equipped persons’ would then combat cybercriminals. The government would contract these individuals, empowering them to employ all necessary means to seize property. They could also detain or punish cybercriminals deemed a threat by the president. This innovative framework revives an 18th-century law, applying it to modern digital warfare. The bill clearly defines these threats, impacting the future of cybersecurity legislation.
The legislation specifically targets a range of offenses. These include:
- Theft of cryptocurrencies
- Ransomware attacks
- Pig butchering scams
- Identity theft
- Unauthorized computer access for sensitive information
- Online password trafficking
- Compromising computers with malicious code
Lawmakers consider these criminal enterprises, often employing coerced labor, an extraordinary threat. They directly impact the economic and national security of the United States. Furthermore, the bill characterizes these scams as ‘acts of war’ perpetrated by individuals, organized criminals, and even foreign governments.
Addressing Crypto Theft and Digital Threats
The rise of crypto theft has become a pressing concern for authorities worldwide. Hackers stole over $142 million in crypto during July alone. The total amount of crypto stolen in 2025 already exceeds $3 billion. These staggering figures highlight the urgent need for more effective countermeasures. The proposed bill directly addresses this growing challenge. It empowers private actors to actively pursue and recover stolen digital assets. This approach could significantly impact the landscape of digital asset security. It also provides new avenues for justice for victims of crypto-related crimes.
The “Scam Farms Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025” explicitly lists crypto theft as a targetable offense. This inclusion underscores the government’s recognition of cryptocurrency’s increasing role in illicit activities. Consequently, the bill seeks to provide new tools for combating these sophisticated financial crimes. The revival of an 18th-century law for 21st-century problems offers a controversial yet potentially powerful solution.
Asset Forfeiture Crypto: Strengthening US Reserves
Stolen crypto seized by US law enforcement often faces forfeiture to the government through court proceedings. This process contributes to national financial reserves. Notably, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January. This order established a Bitcoin and crypto reserve. It aimed to accumulate crypto through budget-neutral strategies or asset forfeiture crypto. This demonstrates a clear federal interest in leveraging seized digital assets. Therefore, the proposed privateer bill could significantly enhance these reserves.
Recent events illustrate the effectiveness of current asset forfeiture efforts. In July, the US federal government filed a civil complaint. It sought to claim over 20 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at over $2.3 million. The Dallas, Texas, division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized these funds during an operation against the Chaos ransomware hacker group. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) also seized $1 million in crypto from the BlackSuit ransomware group in the same month. Furthermore, in August, the DOJ authorized the seizure of $2.8 million in crypto. This came from a wallet controlled by Ianis Aleksandrovich Antropenko, charged with ransomware attacks. These successful operations showcase the government’s commitment to recovering illicitly obtained digital funds.
The Landscape of Digital Piracy and Cybersecurity Legislation
The introduction of the US cybercrime bill reflects a growing global concern over sophisticated cyber threats. Cybercriminals constantly evolve their tactics, from ransomware to elaborate pig butchering scams. This makes effective enforcement increasingly difficult for traditional law enforcement agencies. Consequently, the idea of leveraging ‘digital privateers’ represents a radical shift. This new form of cybersecurity legislation seeks to add a flexible and aggressive layer to national defense against digital adversaries. It aims to disrupt criminal networks more effectively.
The bill’s potential passage would have wide-ranging implications. It could redefine the boundaries of international law and digital sovereignty. Moreover, it opens debates about accountability and oversight for these state-sanctioned private actors. As digital threats continue to escalate, governments explore innovative and sometimes controversial solutions. This bill is a prime example of such efforts. It highlights the urgent need to protect national security and economic stability in the digital age. Ultimately, the effectiveness and ethical considerations of this bold approach remain subject to ongoing debate.
