Jason M. Weinstein

White-Collar Criminal Defense/Internal Investigations

• Represented Volkswagen AG in the diesel emissions criminal case and related matters, and successfully negotiated one of the largest corporate criminal and regulatory settlements in history.
• Representation of multiple former FTX executives in investigations by the DOJ, SEC, and CFTC.
• Representation of the former CEO of one of the country’s largest banks in connection with SEC investigation and related litigation.
• Represented one of the world’s most prominent automobile manufacturers in an investigation by the DOJ into alleged fraud in connection with vehicle certifications; the investigation was closed without any charges.
• Representation of numerous US and non-US crypto-asset exchanges and executives in investigations by DOJ, SEC, CFTC, and other federal and state agencies.
• Represented iFinex Inc., the owner of the Bitfinex cryptocurrency exchange, and Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, in investigations by the CFTC and the New York Attorney General’s Office; both investigations were resolved with settlements favorable to the company.
• Represented a leading luxury motorcycle brand in a DOJ and SEC investigation of alleged fraud in reporting of sales figures and revenue, resulting in a declination by both agencies.
• Represented one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers in a DOJ False Claims Act investigation, resulting in a DOJ decision not to intervene and the dismissal of the complaint.
• Representation of an engineer in DOJ prosecution relating to Fiat Chrysler.
• Representation of healthcare executives in multiple DOJ investigations.
• Led internal investigation for board of Pilot Flying J, one of the nation's largest private companies, in response to criminal fraud investigation.
• Represented one of the world’s largest Bitcoin mining companies in DOJ investigation; the government declined to pursue charges.
• Represented bitcoin ATM company and CEO in DOJ criminal investigation; the government declined to pursue charges.
• Represented major financial institution in investigation of allegations of corruption by FIFA officials; the government declined to pursue charges.
• Represented a technology company in DOJ investigation of alleged government contract fraud; the government declined to pursue charges.
• Represented technology company executive in wire fraud prosecution; the government dismissed all charges.
• Represented director of non-profit corporation in DOJ investigation relating to government contracts; the government reversed debarment decision.
• Represented official of prominent energy company in criminal investigation by DOJ; the government declined to pursue charges.
• Represented official of global financial institution in DOJ investigation of manipulation of foreign exchange market; the government declined to pursue charges.
• Represented former member of corporate board of directors in investigation of alleged money laundering and securities fraud; the government declined to pursue charges.
• Represented public officials in investigations by the DOJ, congressional committees, and Inspectors General.
• Represented multiple prominent attorneys in connection with investigations by DOJ.
• Represented foreign government in DOJ forfeiture case arising from Internet gambling matter.
• Represented global entertainment company in connection with motion picture piracy investigation.

Blockchain/Cryptocurrency

• Representation of iFinex Inc. in connection with DOJ investigation of 2016 hack of Bitfinex exchange, leading to largest forfeiture in DOJ history.
• Representation of three of the world’s 10 largest cryptocurrency exchanges by volume on wide range of legal matters, including compliance with various US regulatory regimes.
• Represented founders of multi-blockchain bridge on US legal issues and potential litigation matters.
• Representation of a blockchain analytics company in connection with government contract-related matters.
• Representation of a leading blockchain transaction processing firm on wide range of legal and regulatory matters.
• Representation of a large crypto-asset exchange in connection with an investigation relating to a cyberattack.
• Representation of a token issuer on launch of cryptocurrency designed for P2P payments.
• Represented cryptocurrency exchange on successful launch of new product to facilitate merchant payments.
• Represented three venture capital firms on various digital asset-related rulemaking processes conducted by FinCEN, OCC, and other federal agencies.
• Advise prominent retailers on legal and business issues involved in accepting cryptocurrencies as methods of payment.
• Advise leading early-stage cryptocurrency companies on legal, regulatory, and policy matters.

• Panelist, "The Problem of Shadow Banning," Consensus 2023, April 28, 2023
• "Ensuring Positive Impact for Our Communities," Global Blockchain Business Council's UNGA, September 20, 2022

• Panelist, "Regulatory and Enforcement Panel," Web3 Summit hosted by American University's Kogod School of Business, September 14, 2022

• Moderator, "Cryptocurrency: Entering a New World of Regulations and Enforcement", ABA White-Collar Crime Conference, March 3, 2022

• "Cryptocurrency – Virtual Assets, Real Enforcement Issues," Forum on Corporate Enforcement, Scottsdale, Arizona, October 4, 2021
• "Navigating the Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework from US Department of Justice and Regulators – Domestically and Abroad," Lexology Webinar, April 8, 2021

• Chambers Fintech USA, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies (2025)
• Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, DC (2018-2024)
• Law360, "MVP," Fintech (2020)
• Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2021-2022)
• National Law Journal, "Trailblazer in Criminal Law" (2020)
• National Law Journal, "Trailblazers in Cryptocurrency, Blockchain & FinTech" (2018)
• National Law Journal, "Trailblazers in Cybersecurity" (2016)
• Washingtonian magazine, Best Lawyers: Cybersecurity (2015)
• Legal 500 US, Dispute Resolution: Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense (2014, 2016-2019)
• Super Lawyers, Washington, DC, Criminal Defense: White Collar (2016-2023)
• Legal 500 US, Media, Technology & Telecoms: Cyber Law (2015, 2018-2019)
• Recipient, Department of Justice Director's Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney
• Recipient, District of Maryland Award for Prosecution of Public Corruption