19-Year-Old Canadian Pleads Guilty to $13M Crypto Fraud Scheme, Exposed After Miami Traffic Stop

According to the New York Times, 19-year-old Canadian Trenton Johnston pleaded guilty recently in Miami federal court to a money laundering conspiracy charge linked to a $13 million crypto fraud scheme. Johnston, who entered the U.S. on a one-year visa in October 2024 and overstayed, impersonated Google and crypto company representatives to gain access to victims' accounts. He was exposed after being pulled over for speeding in a Rolls-Royce in Miami in March 2026, which led to the discovery of his fraud operation.

Court documents show Johnston once bragged to an associate on Signal that he had "successfully targeted" 185 BTC in a single victim case. Auto dealer Brandon Tardibone, who helped Johnston launder proceeds by purchasing luxury vehicles, also pleaded guilty. Under a plea agreement, Johnston faces a sentencing recommendation of four to five years instead of up to 40 years. The FBI reported that crypto theft losses exceeded $11 billion in 2025, up 20% year-over-year.