The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon reported collections totaling more than $20.2 million in civil and criminal actions during Fiscal Year 2025, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. Nearly $15 million was collected from criminal actions, while over $5.2 million came from civil actions. Funds obtained through asset forfeiture are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and are used to restore money to crime victims as well as support law enforcement initiatives.
U.S. Attorney Bradford stated, “The District of Oregon’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit provides critical support to victims of crime by holding those who profit from criminal conduct accountable and pursuing civil recoveries. We take seriously our obligation to make victims as financially whole as possible. Our annual collections reflect the dedication, persistence, and resolve of our team in the pursuit of justice.”
Among the notable cases highlighted was that of Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, from whom the government has recovered over $4.5 million in restitution so far. The couple used proceeds from their crimes to purchase multiple homes, vehicles, a stake in a private jet, and other luxury goods. After pleading guilty to conspiracy charges including wire fraud and money laundering, they were ordered to pay over $33 million in restitution. The government worked to remit forfeited assets on behalf of the victim, which included real estate holdings and nineteen financial accounts.
Another case involved Michael James Defrees, convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Defrees failed to pay his agreed-upon restitution before sentencing; authorities secured payment by seizing several vehicles, sports equipment, a racing boat with trailer, and helping sell two properties to cover his judgment.
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country—including Oregon’s—are responsible for enforcing collection of debts owed to both federal crime victims and the United States itself when it comes to fines or felony assessments. By law, defendants must pay restitution if their crimes cause physical or financial harm; these payments go directly to victims while fines help fund compensation programs at federal and state levels.
Scott Bradford has served as U.S. Attorney after previously leading units focused on white collar crime and counterintelligence efforts within the office (https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/staff-profile/meet-united-states-attorney). The District of Oregon is active in community outreach throughout the state (https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/programs), with offices located in Portland, Eugene, and Medford (https://www.justice.gov/usao-or). As one of 93 such offices nationwide under the Department of Justice (https://www.justice.gov/usao-or), it employs 107 staff members (https://www.justice.gov/usao-or) dedicated to representing U.S interests in legal matters while fostering trust in federal judicial processes (https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/about-district-oregon).
