PANews reported on June 11 that, according to the New York Times, 19-year-old Canadian Trenton Johnston profited approximately $13 million through cryptocurrency fraud, spending the money on luxury cars, jewelry, nightclubs, and private jets. In March of this year, Johnston was pulled over by police in Miami for speeding in a Rolls-Royce. Subsequent investigations uncovered his cryptocurrency fraud activities, and he recently pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in Miami federal court.

Johnston overstayed his visa after entering the United States on a one-year visa in October 2024. He gained access to victims' accounts by impersonating representatives of Google and crypto companies, collaborating with accomplices to commit fraud. Court documents show he boasted to his accomplices on Signal, "Successfully acquired a target of 185 BTC today." Miami car dealer Brandon Tardibone helped Johnston launder money to purchase luxury cars such as Lamborghinis and BMWs; Tardibone has also pleaded guilty. The plea agreement saved Johnston from a maximum of 40 years in prison, with sentencing guidelines recommending approximately 4-5 years. FBI data shows that cryptocurrency theft losses exceeded $11 billion in 2025, a 20% year-on-year increase.