A 20-year-old Canadian, Trenton Richard David Johnston, pleaded guilty in Miami federal court to conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to reports on June 10, 2026. The case centers on a social engineering scam that stole at least $13.04 million in Bitcoin and other digital assets from victims in California.
Prosecutors say Johnston was part of a scheme where fraudsters impersonated Google employees and cryptocurrency security representatives to deceive crypto holders. The stolen funds fueled a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars, jewelry, private flights, and Miami nightlife, emphasizing the brazen nature of the theft.
Johnston, who was 20 while in custody, agreed to be deported back to Canada after sentencing. The court has not yet announced a sentencing date. The case highlights persistent social engineering threats in crypto and the legal repercussions for money laundering.
