U.S. Department of Justice Charges Cryptocurrency Investor in Alleged $20 Million Fraud Affecting Dozens of Victims
The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 43-year-old crypto investor Benjamin Paul Weiner with a 29-count indictment related to an alleged $20 million fraud affecting dozens of victims. The charges include wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Weiner pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.
Prosecutors allege Weiner solicited investments into companies he controlled through false statements. The scheme impacted victims across South Dakota, Minnesota, and neighboring states. He allegedly used new investor funds to pay personal expenses and earlier participants, while obfuscating fund flows through financial institutions and crypto exchanges.
This case mirrors recent DOJ actions against crypto frauds employing Ponzi-like tactics. The FBI reports crypto-related losses exceeded $11.36 billion in 2025, with investment fraud being the costliest category.
Separately, Weiner is accused of obtaining a $1 million line of credit using fake documents and another person's identity. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years for wire fraud/money laundering, 30 years for bank fraud, and a mandatory 2-year consecutive sentence for identity theft. His federal trial is set for September 15, 2026.
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