Prosecutors said Johnston and his co-conspirators impersonated representatives from companies including Google and Trezor to gain access to victims' cryptocurrency accounts and wallets. Autho
Prosecutors said Johnston and his co-conspirators impersonated representatives from companies including Google and Trezor to gain access to victims' cryptocurrency accounts and wallets. Authorities allege that approximately $1.2 million of the stolen funds was spent on luxury cars, private jet travel, rental properties, and other expenses.
A Canadian man who took part in a large-scale crypto fraud scheme has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering after helping steal more than $13 million in digital assets through social engineering attacks.
Trenton Richard Johnston, who was 19 years old at the time of the offenses, was charged by US prosecutors in May for his role in a coordinated operation that targeted crypto holders by impersonating representatives from trusted companies like Google and hardware wallet provider Trezor. The scheme relied on social engineering tactics, where victims were manipulated into believing their accounts or wallets were compromised, which led them to share sensitive information that ultimately allowed the attackers to gain access to their crypto holdings.
Press release from the US Attorney's Office
According to court documents, Johnston and his co-conspirators began carrying out the scams in early 2024. In one incident, Johnston convinced a victim that their Google email account and Coinbase account were compromised, which resulted in the theft of approximately $41,000 worth of Ethereum.
Weeks later, the group successfully targeted another victim in California by posing as Google and Trezor representatives. The victim was led to believe that unauthorized individuals were trying to access their cryptocurrency wallet, allowing the scammers to drain approximately $13 million worth of Bitcoin.
Prosecutors stated that roughly $1.2 million of the stolen funds was spent on luxury items and experiences over a two-month period. The money was allegedly used to buy and rent high-end vehicles, including BMWs and a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. Authorities also said the funds paid for a private jet, a rental property in North Miami, airline tickets, jewelry, and other expenses.
Trenton Richard Johnston (Source: RCI)
The operation eventually unraveled in March when Johnston was stopped for speeding while driving a Rolls-Royce. During the traffic stop, authorities discovered suspected amphetamine tablets, which led investigators to examine his electronic devices and personal notes. The evidence allegedly connected him to the thefts.
As part of his cooperation with authorities, Johnston surrendered approximately 53.16 Bitcoin and 275.23 ETH, valued at around $3.7 million at current market prices. In exchange for his guilty plea and cooperation, prosecutors recommended a prison sentence of between 51 and 63 months and the dismissal of wire fraud charges that could have carried longer penalties.
A second individual, exotic car rental company owner Brandon Tardibone, also pleaded guilty to money laundering and is expected to receive a recommended sentence of between 27 and 33 months in prison.
