Canadian Man Charged In $13M Crypto Fraud Case

A 19-year-old Canadian man has been charged in Florida over an alleged cryptocurrency fraud scheme that prosecutors say stole more than $13 million from victims.

Good to Know

• Prosecutors say victims lost more than $13 million in cryptocurrency.
• Trenton Richard David Johnston allegedly posed as a crypto support agent and search engine support representative.
• Brandon Michael Tardibone of Miami also faces charges tied to laundering and harboring Johnston.

Federal prosecutors say Johnston lived in the Miami area while unlawfully present in the US after overstaying his visa. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida alleges he worked with others to access victim accounts and crypto wallets.

Prosecutors Say Luxury Spending Followed Crypto Theft

The alleged scheme relied on impersonation, according to authorities. Johnston and co-conspirators allegedly pretended to represent a popular search engine and crypto-related companies, then used that access to transfer digital assets for their own benefit.

Authorities also charged 28-year-old Brandon Michael Tardibone of Miami. Prosecutors allege Tardibone harbored Johnston while he stayed in the US unlawfully and helped launder proceeds from the fraud.

The indictment also points to spending after the alleged thefts. Prosecutors say the pair used more than $1 million in illicit proceeds on luxury vehicles, jewelry and nightlife expenses.

Johnston faces conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges. Each count carries a possible prison term of up to 20 years if convicted.

Tardibone faces conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries up to 20 years in prison, and harboring an alien in the US, which carries up to 10 years.