Canadian pleads guilty in US crypto fraud case
Crypto fraud case in Miami tied to a $13M laundering conspiracy See how investigators traced the scheme, luxury spending, and guilty plea
A Canadian man has pleaded guilty in Miami to moneylaundering conspiracy tied to a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that prosecutors say stole at least US$13.04 million. Authorities say Trenton Richard David Johnston impersonated Google staff and targeted crypto holders over several months.
According to court filings, Johnston used the proceeds to fund a luxury lifestyle in Miami, including highend vehicles, jewelry, and private jet rentals. He was arrested in March after a traffic stop led investigators to evidence linking him to the scheme.
Johnston, who had overstayed a U.S. tourist visa, agreed to be deported to Canada after serving his sentence. A coconspirator, identified by prosecutors as a Miamiarea exotic car dealer, also pleaded guilty in the case.