FBI Unable To Catch Crypto Criminal After Encountering 'Extra Step' in Log-In Process

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Once again finding itself outsmarted by the rapidly evolving world of cybercrime, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has had to close an investigation after a crafty criminal added an extra step to their secure log-in page.

According to a report from the FBI's Cyber Division, agents admitted defeat as they faced a modern conundrum: the challenge of navigating a new security obstacle that left them utterly perplexed.

"Confronted by this unprecedented secure second step in the sign-in procedure, our team hit a veritable brick wall," said Deputy Assistant Director Herb Strongman. "This is a dangerous new technological hurdle we've never encountered before, and it thwarted our efforts entirely."

Desperate for a workaround, the FBI sent out internal memos exploring different options, including acquiring the elusive security code through online purchases, the black market, or even the classic move of attempted bribery. "The simple reality is that we hit a dead end; this extra step required a security code that we just couldn’t get our hands on," lamented Philadelphia field office agent Barry Goldberg. "We've got to admit defeat and move on. There’s literally nothing else we could do."

In a related incident, at publishing time, the FBI also had to abandon an operation targeting a hacker who cheekily declared it was "Opposite Day," prompting the division to reverse all their next steps and rethink their strategy.