The U.S. government is trying to seize over $20 million worth of assets from Michael Miske, the convicted crime boss who passed away in federal detention last year. Miske’s death has thrown his criminal case into uncertainty, but authorities are still moving ahead with efforts to take his property.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Hawaii filed a legal action on January 24, 2025, aiming to seize two boats, millions of dollars in cash, properties in Kailua and Portlock, artwork, and several vehicles, including a Ferrari and a vintage 1951 Volkswagen.

The Crimes and The Seized Assets

Michael Miske, who was 50 years old, was found dead in his cell at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu on December 1, 2024, after a fentanyl overdose. His death came just before he was set to be sentenced for serious crimes, including racketeering and murder connected to a 2016 killing. Before his death, Miske had been found guilty of 13 criminal charges related to his criminal activities.

The government claims that the assets being targeted were either used in his illegal activities or bought with money earned through those crimes. They believe these assets are directly tied to Miske’s criminal empire.

The Civil Forfeiture Process

Even though Miske passed away before his sentencing, the government is still pursuing his assets through what is known as a civil forfeiture action. This legal process allows the government to seize property and provides an opportunity for anyone who thinks they have a right to it to challenge the seizure. The civil process is separate from the criminal case and allows the government to claim assets even if the person has died.

Victor Bakke, a Honolulu-based criminal defense lawyer, explained that this new legal action could still result in the government claiming Miske’s assets. According to Bakke, people who believe they are entitled to any of Miske’s assets could try to get them back by suing the government. Some family members of Miske might come forward, claiming that certain assets were bought with legitimate money, earned through Miske’s profitable businesses. He owned businesses such as the M Nightclub and Kamaaina Termite and Pest Control.

Family Members May Fight for Assets

Bakke believes that Miske’s family may try to get back some of his assets. Since Miske mixed the money from his businesses with the proceeds of his criminal activities, some of his assets could have been bought with money earned from legal sources. If the family can prove this, they might be able to get back some of the property.

However, federal prosecutors are insisting that all of Miske’s assets can be traced to his illegal activities. In the legal filing, the government argues that they have enough evidence to show that Miske’s assets, including the boats, cash, paintings, and cars, were funded through his criminal acts.

What’s Next?

As of now, the legal battle over Miske’s assets continues. His attorney had asked to have his criminal convictions erased due to his death, and the prosecutors agreed to this request. Miske had planned to appeal his conviction before his death, but now that won’t happen. The focus has shifted to the civil forfeiture case, where the government will try to seize everything it can from Miske’s estate.

While some of Miske’s family members may try to claim parts of his assets, the government is adamant that all of it should be forfeited. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to prove that the property was purchased with illegal funds, or if the family will be able to hold on to anything.

The case is still unfolding, and the outcome will likely set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The federal government is pushing hard to take Miske’s assets, and only time will tell whether his family or the government will come out on top.

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