A U.S. federal court has sentenced Sze Man Yu Inos, also known as “Yuki,” to 71 months in prison for orchestrating a Bitcoin-related affinity fraud scheme that specifically targeted older women. The sentencing, delivered by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona on April 23, 2026, comes with significant financial penalties, including $769,355.67 in restitution to victims and a criminal forfeiture judgment of $684,848.34.
Between November 2020 and January 2022, Inos approached older women in Saipan and Guam, building emotional trust by presenting herself as a successful businesswoman from a wealthy Chinese family who had made her fortune investing in Bitcoin. She cultivated these relationships through expensive meals, gifts, and by sharing fictitious personal problems, often telling victims, "You are like my mom." Prosecutors detailed how she used this emotional foundation to solicit Bitcoin investments under false pretenses.
U.S. Attorney Shawn Anderson highlighted the insidious nature of the crime, stating, "Criminals engaged in affinity fraud prey on our willingness to trust others. This defendant chose to target older women across multiple jurisdictions, resulting in substantial financial losses." The case is a textbook example of affinity fraud, which exploits personal trust and emotional bonds rather than technical sophistication.
The case took an even more brazen turn when investigators discovered that Inos had forged a federal judge's signature to advance her manipulation. FBI Special Agent David Porter noted she acted "with complete contempt for both the victims she exploited and the rule of law." Despite federal charges being filed, Inos continued the scheme, expanding her operation from Saipan and Guam into Washington and California. She was ultimately convicted of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
This case adds to growing concerns about crypto-related fraud. A recent FBI report indicated that crypto fraud losses reached a record $11.3 billion last year, accounting for more than half of the $20.9 billion in total internet crime losses tracked by the agency. The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted this sentencing as a warning against affinity fraud, noting that Bitcoin's cultural reputation for sudden wealth creation makes it an ideal tool for such schemes.
