A 22-year-old man from California was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for laundering money for a crypto scam syndicate.

According to the Los Angeles Times, on April 30, a 22-year-old man from Newport Beach, California, Evan Tangeman, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., to 70 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release; Tangeman pleaded guilty in December 2025, admitting to laundering $3.5 million for a crypto fraud ring.

Sentencing details and defendant background

According to the Los Angeles Times, during the investigation by federal authorities, Tangeman used the aliases “E,” “Tate,” and “Evan Exchanger.” Federal authorities said Tangeman’s duties included: converting stolen cryptocurrency into cash, and working with a Los Angeles real estate agent to buy mansions for members of the group.

According to a news release from federal prosecutors, when executing a search warrant, federal agents found at Tangeman’s residence a black 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at more than $300,000 and a Porsche GT3 RS (Porsche GT3 RS). Federal prosecutors said that group members had arranged to purchase at least one Lamborghini Urus (Lamborghini Urus) as one of the ways to pay Tangeman.

According to a news release from federal prosecutors, after the first group members were arrested, Tangeman proactively instructed co-defendant Tucker Desmond to destroy the group members’ electronic devices.

The group’s criminal methods, membership composition, and spending records

According to the Los Angeles Times and statements from federal authorities, the “Crypto Kid” ring consists of nine members, including hackers, scammers, home invaders, and cryptocurrency money launderers, with some members being teenagers. They are based in California, Connecticut, New York, Florida, and other areas, and the group was formed through online gaming platforms.

According to statements from federal authorities, the group posed as security technology personnel and employees of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Coinbase and Gemini, using social engineering to steal victims’ funds. The scheme ran from October 2023 through at least May 2025.

According to statements from federal authorities, the group used the proceeds for single nightclub purchases of up to $500,000, renting mansions for $40,000 to $80,000 per month (with some properties valued from $4 million to nearly $9 million), and buying luxury cars and branded clothing and watches valued between $100,000 and $4 million.

In her sentencing remarks, Jeannie Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., said: “This criminal organization is built on greed, and their shamelessness is almost absurd. They stole millions of dollars and splurged on $500,000 nightclub bills, as well as Lamborghini and Rolex watches.”

Related legal proceedings

According to the Los Angeles Times, earlier this year, a 17-year-old member of the group (appearing under the name “Daniel”) testified against former Los Angeles police officer Eric Harlam; Harlam was found guilty last month by a federal court of the 2024 robbery of the teen, involving approximately $350,000 in cryptocurrency.

FAQ

How long was Evan Tangeman sentenced to be imprisoned, and which court issued the sentence?

According to the Los Angeles Times, Tangeman was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., to 70 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty in December 2025.

What were the “Crypto Kid” ring’s scam methods, and when did the crimes occur?

According to statements from federal authorities, the group posed as employees of crypto exchanges such as Coinbase and Gemini, as well as security technology personnel, and used social engineering to defraud more than $263 million. The crimes took place from October 2023 through at least May 2025.

What assets were seized by federal agents at Tangeman’s residence?

According to a news release from federal prosecutors, the seized assets included a black 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at more than $300,000 and a Porsche GT3 RS (Porsche GT3 RS).