Justice Department moves to drop charges against BitClub Network defendant
The Justice Department is reportedly moving to drop charges against Matthew Brent Goettsche, the alleged mastermind of the BitClub Network, a scheme that raised at least $722 million from investors between 2014 and 2019. Goettsche was indicted in December 2019 on counts including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and the sale of unregistered securities, and his trial was set for October 6, 2026; his co-defendants pleaded guilty in 2020 and 2022. The reported reversal follows a 2025 DOJ policy memo advising against stringent digital asset prosecutions, raising questions about enforcement consistency and accountability while pleaded convictions remain in place.
Justice Department may drop charges against alleged BitClub mastermind
Context
He was indicted in December 2019. His co-defendants pleaded guilty in 2020 and 2022. A 2025 DOJ memo shifted policy and plea talks broke down in early 2026, so charges may now be dropped.
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