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A 20-year-old Canadian, Trenton Richard David Johnston, has pleaded guilty in the United States to money-laundering conspiracy tied to a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that federal investigators say led to the theft of at least $13.04 million from victims across North America. The case, which unfolded between late 2024 and March 2026, culminated in Johnston’s arrest in Miami after a traffic stop exposed the scale of his spending and alleged deception.
Authorities say the cryptocurrency fraud scheme involved impersonating legitimate tech and crypto security personnel to trick victims into handing over access to their digital wallets. Johnston has also agreed to deportation to Canada as part of a plea deal filed in U.S. District Court in Miami.
The investigation began to unravel in March 2026 in Miami when Johnston was stopped while riding in a white Rolls-Royce Cullinan. What appeared to be a routine traffic stop quickly escalated after deputies noticed drug residue and questioned passengers in the vehicle.
According to an affidavit cited in court filings, officers detected “a strong odour of freshly burnt marijuana” inside the SUV. Johnston was also found carrying 21 suspected amphetamine tablets in a luxury Hermès bag.
Three people in the vehicle later told investigators they had known Johnston for about a year and were living off his generosity. They also alleged that he had no legitimate employment and instead funded his lifestyle through proceeds linked to a cryptocurrency fraud scheme.
The incident became a turning point, prompting federal authorities to seize Johnston’s electronics and handwritten notes containing access codes to crypto accounts.
Investigators with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) say Johnston’s operation relied on impersonation and social engineering. Victims were reportedly contacted by individuals posing as Google support staff and representatives of a crypto security company.
One California victim told authorities they received multiple calls on March 13 warning that their accounts had been compromised. Believing the warnings were legitimate, the victim handed over access credentials to two crypto wallets.
HSI Special Agent Ivan Sanchez wrote in a criminal complaint that “that approximately 185 Bitcoin were stolen from his/her wallets, or the equivalent of approximately US $13 million,” adding that none of the assets had been recovered.
After the theft, Johnston allegedly messaged a co-conspirator, celebrating the success of the cryptocurrency fraud scheme. In a text exchange, he wrote: “bro we rlly actually did some crazy a– s—.”
In another exchange, Johnston stated: “We actually smacked a 185btc target today,” and added, “Like unironically smacked a 185.” He further told the accomplice: “And we ain’t done.”
Investigators also noted a prior incident involving a separate victim in California who lost about $41,000 in Ethereum, suggesting the cryptocurrency fraud scheme may have included multiple targets over several months.
Prosecutors say Johnston used proceeds from the cryptocurrency fraud scheme to finance an extravagant lifestyle in Miami and other U.S. cities. He allegedly spent heavily on luxury cars, parties, and private travel.
Court documents show that co-conspirator Brandon Michael Tardibone, a Miami-area exotic car dealer, helped Johnston acquire high-end assets including a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, two BMWs, jewelry, and private jet rentals. Tardibone also provided luxury housing in an effort to help Johnston avoid immigration scrutiny.
The total spending linked to the network reportedly reached $1.19 million over a three-month period. Authorities argue that these transactions were part of efforts to conceal and launder proceeds from the cryptocurrency fraud scheme, turning digital theft into tangible luxury assets.
Johnston, who overstayed his U.S. tourist visa after entering from Canada in 2024, pleaded guilty to money-laundering conspiracy on Tuesday in Miami federal court. He has agreed to a removal order and will be deported to Canada following sentencing.
Both Johnston and Tardibone have admitted involvement in laundering proceeds tied to the cryptocurrency fraud scheme. Sentencing dates have not yet been announced, and prosecutors have not disclosed potential prison terms.
A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada confirmed that officials are providing consular assistance to the Canadian citizen involved in the case.
As investigators continue reviewing digital evidence, authorities say the case underscores how quickly a cryptocurrency fraud scheme can escalate from online deception to large-scale financial crime spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Source; CBC News
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