Patrick Steven Yaroch, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) supervisor assigned to the US intelligence community, was arrested last week and is facing two charges: interstate transportation of stolen property and receipt of stolen property. Federal Judge Lindsey Vaala in Virginia ordered Yaroch's detention, following his confession to stealing nearly 1 million USD in digital currency.

According to court documents accessed by NBC News on 3/8, testimony in FBI investigation files shows Yaroch used his internal access to obtain necessary private keys. He then transferred funds from cryptocurrency wallets under FBI surveillance, linked to a rival nation, into his personal digital currency wallet. The suspect conducted about 12 transactions, totaling approximately 925,426 USD.

FBI agents search a center in Minnesota in 1/2022. *Photo: Minneapolis Star Tribune*

Yaroch voluntarily confessed his actions, stating he "made some very bad decisions" and felt ashamed and remorseful. He submitted a complaint through the FBI's internal portal and presented himself at the agency's headquarters. During a subsequent search of his residence, Yaroch surrendered his agency badge and provided details about his personal digital currency wallets.

The suspect admitted to US Department of Justice employees that his actions stemmed from frustration, believing the FBI "could not or would not act" on the digital currency accounts of a rival nation during an ongoing investigation. Two sources familiar with the matter identified the rival nation Yaroch referred to as Russia.

Yaroch has since been fired from the FBI.

An FBI spokesperson confirmed Yaroch's termination, stating, "This individual has been terminated from the FBI. We hold our employees to the highest ethical standards and do not tolerate such conduct." The spokesperson added that the agency is conducting a comprehensive investigation and would not comment further as the matter is being handled.