Canadian Man Charged in $13M Crypto Support Agent Impersonation Fraud

A 19-year-old Canadian man has been charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida in connection with an alleged cryptocurrency fraud scheme that resulted in losses exceeding $13 million. According to federal prosecutors, Trenton Richard David Johnston allegedly impersonated support representatives for a popular search engine and crypto-related companies to gain unauthorized access to victims’ digital accounts and cryptocurrency wallets while residing in the Miami area.

Fraud Scheme Details

Johnston and his co-conspirators allegedly transferred victims’ cryptocurrency holdings for their own benefit, causing the documented losses of more than $13 million. Federal prosecutors claim the pair used more than $1 million in illicit proceeds to purchase luxury vehicles, acquire jewelry, and fund nightlife expenses.

Co-Conspirator and Charges

Authorities also charged 28-year-old Brandon Michael Tardibone of Miami with conspiracy to commit money laundering and harboring an alien in the United States. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Tardibone allegedly harbored Johnston while he was unlawfully present in the US and assisted in laundering proceeds from the scheme.

Potential Sentences

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. Tardibone is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, and harboring an alien in the US, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years.