BOXFORD – The Boxford Police Department has successfully recovered funds for a local resident who fell victim to a sophisticated PayPal/Bitcoin scam, marking the first time in Essex County that authorities have been able to seize and reclaim cryptocurrency from an exchange.
The case began on June 26, 2024, when a Boxford resident reported being scammed out of $13,000 after receiving a fraudulent email from PayPal. The scam led the victim to a phone number displayed on their computer, where they were misled into believing a refund error had occurred and instructed to send funds back via Bitcoin.
Boxford Police Detective Nathaniel Peabody spearheaded the investigation despite complex jurisdictional challenges. Through collaboration with the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant District Attorney David O’Sullivan, and Criminal Intelligence Analyst Mark Sanders of the New England State Police Information Network, Detective Peabody successfully traced the Bitcoin transaction to an individual in the Republic of India.
With the cooperation of the District Attorney’s Office, a seizure warrant was executed, allowing the stolen funds to be recovered. On February 20, 2025, at the Boxford Police Department, Detective Peabody presented the victim with a check for $11,309.45, officially restoring a significant portion of their lost funds. The remaining amount accounts for transaction and legal processing fees.
“This case demonstrates the dedication and tenacity of the Boxford Police Department in protecting our residents from financial crimes, no matter how far-reaching they may be,” said Police Chief Jim Riter. “Detective Peabody’s perseverance and the collaborative efforts with state and county law enforcement made this recovery possible. We hope this serves as a warning to criminals that law enforcement is keeping pace with modern financial fraud.”
Town Administrator Matt Coogan commended the department’s efforts, stating, “The success of this case is a testament to the professionalism and resourcefulness of the Boxford Police Department. We are incredibly proud of their ability to work across jurisdictions and recover funds for a victim in our community. This is an important victory not just for Boxford but for Essex County as a whole.”
Authorities have issued an active arrest warrant for the suspect, and his apprehension will be pursued if he enters a jurisdiction within the United States.
The Boxford Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant against online scams and to report suspicious activity immediately. For more information on fraud prevention, visit www.boxfordma.gov or contact the department directly at 978-887-8135. ♦
