Introduction
In a bold move aimed at fortifying the nation’s cybersecurity, Arizona Congressman David Schweikert has unveiled legislation known as “The Scam Farms Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025.” This proposal, introduced in August, seeks to revive a concept from the 18th century—state-sanctioned privateers—tasking them with combating the growing menace posed by cybercriminals who threaten national stability and economic security.
Legislative Details
The proposed law would empower the President of the United States to issue letters of marque to appointed individuals or organizations. These neo-privateers, equipped and trained for conflict, would be granted the authority to utilize “all means reasonably necessary” to pursue and detain cyber offenders labeled as threats by the administration. Offenses targeted by this initiative include various forms of cyber fraud such as cryptocurrency theft, widespread scams like pig butchering, ransomware incidents, identity fraud, and illicit access to private data.
The bill notably brands these cyber offenses as equivalent to acts of war, implicating not just individuals but organized crime syndicates and even foreign states in the ongoing digital warfare.
Urgency of the Legislation
Highlighting the urgency of this legislative response, the text of the bill describes criminal enterprises engaged in cyber activities and forced labor as presenting an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the fabric of the United States. If ratified, this legislation could reshape both the landscape of cybersecurity and asset recovery practices moving forward.
Current Cybercrime Landscape
Moreover, the severity of cybercrime incidents has surged dramatically this year, with losses exceeding $3 billion in stolen cryptocurrency alone by mid-2025. In July, hackers made off with over $142 million in crypto, underscoring the critical need for enhanced defenses.
Seized cryptocurrency by law enforcement is now a tool for the federal government, potentially leading to the establishment of a national reserve for digital currencies, a notion solidified by a January executive order from former President Donald Trump. This order allows for crypto accumulation through asset seizures in line with fiscal neutrality.
Conclusion
This summer has seen significant actions taken by the Department of Justice, including civil claims on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies seized from criminal organizations such as the Chaos ransomware group and the BlackSuit collective. Given the multifaceted nature of these cyber threats, Schweikert’s bill could herald a new chapter in the U.S. approach to cybersecurity and enforcement against a backdrop of ever-evolving digital crime.
