The first RICO lawsuit involving Bitcoin is targeting the US Department of Justice, fueling debate over the government’s capacity to investigate cryptocurrency-related crimes.

Cointelegraph reported on September 7 that the case marks the first application of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act in a Bitcoin-related matter, with the Justice Department’s response emerging as a central issue.

The case comes after the department previously scaled back crypto-related investigative teams and resources, prompting criticism that its ability to investigate and prosecute complex digital-asset crimes has weakened.

The RICO Act is a US federal law used to punish individuals or groups involved in organized criminal activity.