The US Department of Justice has indicted CEO Firsa Isa and the company for illegal activity
Crypto Dispensers, a Chicago-based operator of Bitcoin kiosks, is considering a possible sale after its CEO was indicted on federal money laundering charges. The company said it has hired outside advisors to conduct a strategic review and gauge interest from potential buyers. Early estimates could value the business near $100 million, though the company stressed that no deal is guaranteed and it may continue operating on its own.
In its announcement, Crypto Dispensers highlighted its shift in 2020 from physical ATMs to a software-focused model. The company said the move was made to reduce fraud risk and address increasing compliance demands. CEO Firas Isa framed the potential sale as part of the firm’s next stage, saying hardware limited growth while software offered greater scalability.
The review comes shortly after the US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment accusing Isa and the company of running a $10 million laundering operation. Prosecutors claim that from 2018 to 2025, Isa knowingly accepted proceeds from scams and narcotics trafficking through the ATM network. They allege he then converted the funds into cryptocurrency and moved them to wallets designed to hide their source.
Isa and the company have pleaded not guilty to the conspiracy charge, which carries up to 20 years in federal prison. If convicted, prosecutors could seize assets tied to the alleged scheme. The case adds new pressure to an industry already facing criticism from regulators and local governments.
Crypto ATMs have drawn increasing scrutiny due to a rise in fraud. The FBI reported almost 11,000 scam complaints in 2024 involving crypto kiosks, totaling more than $246 million. In response, US cities have begun imposing bans or strict transaction limits. Stillwater, Minnesota, recently prohibited machines altogether after multiple residents were targeted by scammers. Spokane, WA, followed with its own ban after a spike in fraud cases.
Other communities have chosen tighter regulations instead of outright bans. Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, enacted daily and biweekly caps on transactions to safeguard residents. The growing patchwork of restrictions shows how quickly oversight of crypto kiosks is expanding across the country.
