Bitcoin ATM Company Founder Charged in Alleged $10 Million Money Laundering Scheme
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Firas Isa, founder of Virtual Assets LLC, operating as Crypto Dispensers, with money-laundering conspiracy involving at least $10 million.
Isa is alleged to have converted proceeds from fraud and narcotics into cryptocurrency via Crypto Dispensers ATMs, which operate across the United States, and subsequently transferred funds to other wallets to conceal their origins.
Both Isa and Virtual Assets LLC face one count each of money-laundering conspiracy, carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years. They have pleaded not guilty, with a status hearing scheduled for January 30, 2026, before Judge Elaine Bucklo.
The indictment does not disclose which cryptocurrencies or wallet providers were used in the scheme. Prosecutors state that victims and criminals sent funds to Isa, his company, or a co-conspirator through the Crypto Dispensers ATMs.
The DOJ emphasizes that these charges are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, forfeiture of the involved property is possible, including substitute assets if the original property cannot be recovered.
This case arises amid recent DOJ shifts in crypto enforcement, including the disbandment of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team in April and the launch of a Scam Center Strike Force aimed at combating crypto scams originating from China.
