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Florida man charged in Steam-linked crypto malware scheme that stole $220,000

Florida man charged in Steam-linked crypto malware scheme that stole $220,000

Prosecutors say Zyaire Wilkins helped distribute malware-laced games between May 2024 and February 2026, infecting about 8,000 devices and compromising roughly 80 cryptocurrency wallets.

Fact Check
Multiple independent sources corroborate every specific in the claim. Local10.com (WPLG, local news covering the Broward County/Fort Lauderdale federal arrest) confirms Zyaire Wilkins, the FBI's involvement (Seattle office's 'Steam malware investigation'), the May 2024-February 2026 timeframe, ~8,000 infected devices, ~80 compromised crypto wallets, and at least $220,000 stolen via games distributed on a platform strongly implied to be Steam (Valve). The KuCoin/CryptoBriefing report independently repeats the same figures and timeframe. The claim's 'charged' framing matches the conspiracy charge described. All key numbers align.
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Summary

Federal prosecutors charged 21-year-old Florida resident Zyaire Wilkins with helping run a malware scheme that allegedly hid crypto-stealing code inside at least eight video games distributed on gaming platforms. Investigators said the operation ran between May 2024 and February 2026, infected about 8,000 devices, drained roughly 80 cryptocurrency wallets and stole more than $220,000. Authorities said the FBI identified Wilkins through on-chain analysis and Bitrefill gift card purchases, tracing transactions tied to the alleged scheme. The case adds to a broader pattern of attackers using game distribution channels and social platforms to target crypto users, with malware designed to harvest credentials and wallet access before funds are moved out.

Terms & Concepts
  • on-chain analysis: The tracing of cryptocurrency transactions on a blockchain to identify fund flows and links between wallets.
  • Bitrefill gift card purchases: Digital gift card transactions made through a crypto payment service that investigators used to help trace activity.