Rodney Burton, known as ‘Bitcoin Rodney,’ admitted to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business in federal court on June 16, 2026. The 56-year-old Miami promoter was a key figure in the $1.8 billion HyperFund scheme that falsely promised investors daily returns of 0.5% to 1% from non-existent crypto mining operations.
Prosecutors stated Burton ran shell consulting firms to launder victim funds and pocketed at least $7.85 million. He was arrested in January 2024 at Miami International Airport with a one‑way ticket to the UAE and has remained in custody since. A superseding indictment in December 2025 added wire fraud and money laundering charges, but Tuesday’s plea only covers the conspiracy count, which carries a maximum five‑year sentence.
The scheme operated from June 2020 until early 2022, blocking withdrawals in 2021. HyperFund co‑founder Xue ‘Sam’ Lee was also indicted and remains at large, while promoter Brenda Chunga (‘Bitcoin Beautee’) pleaded guilty in 2024. The SEC filed parallel civil charges. Sentencing for Burton is set for July 23 before U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett.
