A Canadian man accused of overstaying his U.S. visa has been charged in an alleged cryptocurrency fraud scheme that authorities say stole more than $13 million from victims by posing as cryptocurrency support agents.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, 19-year-old Trenton Richard David Johnston Allegedly He was introduced as a support representative for a popular search engine and cryptocurrency-related companies to access the victims’ digital accounts and cryptocurrency wallets while they were living in the Miami area.
Prosecutors say Johnston and his co-conspirators transferred victims’ cryptocurrency holdings for their own benefit, causing losses exceeding $13 million.
Authorities also charged Brandon Michael Tardibon, 28, of Miami, for allegedly harboring Johnston while he was illegally in the United States and helping launder the proceeds of the scheme.
Federal prosecutors allege the couple used more than $1 million in illicit proceeds on luxury cars, jewelry and nightlife expenses.
Johnston faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison on each count.
Tardibon is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and harboring an alien in the United States, charges that carry potential prison sentences of up to 20 years and 10 years, respectively.
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