A Canadian man, Trenton Johnston, pleaded guilty on June 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami to a charge of money laundering conspiracy. He admitted that over more than two years, he systematically stole cryptocurrency by posing as a Google employee and a representative of the crypto security company Trezor. On March 13 alone, a single case involving a victim in California resulted in losses of about 185 bitcoins (about $13.04 million).
Trenton Johnston’s Scam Methods: Two Confirmed Victim Cases Involving Impersonation of Google and Trezor
According to a criminal complaint submitted by HSI Special Agent Ivan Sanchez in April 2026:
185 BTC case (March 13, 2026): On that day, a California victim received two phone calls, claiming to be from Google and the crypto security company Trezor, respectively. The victim was led to believe their account had been compromised and provided access codes for two digital accounts. Then approximately 185 bitcoins (about $13.04 million) were stolen, and all assets have not been recovered.
A $41,000 Ethereum case (February 2026): A California user was tricked into losing about $41,000 worth of Ethereum.
After the theft, Johnston sent messages to his co-conspirator via Signal, saying: “We really nailed a target worth 185 bitcoins today.” He also showed others the scam operation methods via Discord.
March Traffic Interception: The Full Timeline Exposed as Confirmed by Court Documents
According to sworn testimony from investigators, the confirmed process by which the case came to light is as follows: A deputy of the Miami-Dade County Sheriff noticed “a strong, fresh-burning marijuana smell” inside the vehicle and marijuana residue in the cup holder, and conducted a stop of a white Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Johnston was found to be carrying a Hermès bag containing 21 suspected amphetamine pills; HSI federal agents subsequently seized his computer, phone, and handwritten notes containing crypto account access codes, which allowed them to reconstruct the entire scam scheme.
Johnston entered the United States in October 2024 from Ellegirbo, Ontario, Canada, at Buffalo, New York, and then overstayed after entering with a 12-month tourist visa.
Plea Agreement Confirmed Terms: Sentencing Range and Luxury Goods Consumption List
According to the confirmed plea agreement terms reviewed by CBC News: As a first-time offender, Johnston faced a potential prison sentence of 4 to 5 years as stated in the plea agreement. He agreed to accept a removal order issued by a U.S. immigration judge in April 2026, and promised to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in executing the removal to Canada. The specific sentencing date has not been determined.
Co-conspirator Brandon Michael Tardibeurne also pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy on the same day. Tardibeurne confirmed that Johnston purchased a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, two BMW vehicles, and jewelry, and rented private aircraft, while also providing a luxury Miami residence to help Johnston evade immigration authorities. The transaction list arranged by Tardibeurne totaled about $1.19 million within three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the case evolve from a routine traffic stop into federal cryptocurrency fraud charges?
In March 2026, a deputy of the Miami-Dade County Sheriff stopped a white Rolls-Royce after noticing the marijuana smell inside the vehicle, and launched an investigation after suspected amphetamine was found. HSI agents seized Johnston’s computer, phone, and handwritten notes containing crypto account access codes, which enabled them to reconstruct the complete scam scheme and then bring federal charges.
What confirmed terms are included in Johnston’s plea agreement?
Johnston pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy; the plea agreement states he faces a sentence of 4 to 5 years. He agreed to accept a removal order in April 2026. The agreement requires him to assist ICE in executing the removal to Canada. As of the time of reporting, the specific sentencing date and removal schedule have not been determined.
Is there any possibility of recovering the stolen 185 bitcoins?
In a criminal complaint filed in April 2026, HSI Special Agent Ivan Sanchez confirmed that all stolen crypto assets in the Johnston case have not been recovered, and the announcement did not specify any progress or plans regarding the recovery of any assets.
