Tag:

Cryptocurrency

Man Hid $13M In NFT Sales, Flaunted Travel Pics As Girlfriend Asked For Pageant Donations: DOJ Man Hid $13M In NFT Sales, Flaunted Travel Pics As Girlfriend Asked For Pageant Donations: DOJ
Man Hid $13M In NFT Sales, Flaunted Travel Pics As Girlfriend Asked For Pageant Donations: DOJ A Pennsylvania man who hid millions from the IRS through secret NFT sales—while his girlfriend publicly asked for pageant donations for her daughter—has now been sentenced to prison, federal authorities and social media posts show. Waylon Wilcox, 46, of Dillsburg, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and ordered to pay a $300,400 fine by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Wilcox had previously paid the IRS $3,305,238 in back taxes, plus $981,583.30 in interest, auth…
Trump Mobile's Golden Smartphones Delayed For Months After Launch, Reports Say Trump Mobile's Golden Smartphones Delayed For Months After Launch, Reports Say
Trump Mobile's Golden Smartphones Delayed For Months After Launch, Reports Say The Trump Mobile smartphone has yet to be released nearly six months after The Trump Organization first promised a golden device made entirely in the United States. Investigations by NBC News and The Verge found that the "T1 Phone" has not been delivered after it was originally promoted with an August launch. Trump Mobile was unveiled on Monday, June 16, to coincide with the 10th anniversary of when President Donald Trump launched his first campaign. The Android phone with a US flag on the back was listed at $499. "The 47 Plan" was touted as an unlimited talk, text, and data …
LimeWire Buys Fyre Festival's Infamous Brand, Asks 'What Could Possibly Go Wrong?' LimeWire Buys Fyre Festival's Infamous Brand, Asks 'What Could Possibly Go Wrong?'
LimeWire Buys Fyre Festival's Infamous Brand, Asks 'What Could Possibly Go Wrong?' A platform that defined the early days of online file sharing is teaming up with one of the most notorious failed music festivals. LimeWire has officially acquired the Fyre Festival brand, the once-defunct file-sharing service said in a news release on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The announcement poked fun at the infamous Fyre Festival's 2017 failure, asking "What Could Possibly Go Wrong?" Founder Billy McFarland sold Fyre's trademarks and social media accounts in a July eBay auction for $245,300. On a livestream, the Millburn, New Jersey, native said about the final price, "This…
You Can Now Trade NFL, College Football Games Like Stocks: Here's How You Can Now Trade NFL, College Football Games Like Stocks: Here's How
You Can Now Trade NFL, College Football Games Like Stocks: Here's How You can soon trade the outcomes of NFL and college football games like they're stocks. Robinhood is rolling out professional and college football prediction markets on its app, the financial services company announced on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Customers can now trade on outcomes for all regular-season NFL matchups, as well as top college games. The Prediction Markets Hub will allow users the chance to trade contracts tied to the outcomes of every pro game and matchups across Power 4 schools and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) independents. "Football is far and away the most …
$14B+ Scheme: DOJ Charges 324 In Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown Ever $14B+ Scheme: DOJ Charges 324 In Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown Ever
$14B+ Scheme: DOJ Charges 324 In Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown Ever The Justice Department just pulled off a record-breaking sting that spanned the globe, targeted doctors and drug traffickers, and exposed a fraud web stretching across dozens of states. A total of 324 people, including 96 licensed medical professionals, have been charged in connection with a staggering $14.6 billion in alleged healthcare fraud, DOJ  announced on Monday, June 30. Federal prosecutors say it’s the largest healthcare fraud takedown in US history, involving defendants across 50 federal districts and 12 State Attorneys General Offices.  Charges span a range of schemes …
Crypto Crackdown: $225M In Stolen Funds Seized In Global ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam: DOJ Crypto Crackdown: $225M In Stolen Funds Seized In Global ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam: DOJ
Crypto Crackdown: $225M In Stolen Funds Seized In Global ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam: DOJ Federal officials seized more than $225 million in stolen cryptocurrency in what they say is the largest-ever seizure of funds linked to a crypto confidence scam in US history. The civil forfeiture complaint, filed in Washington, DC, targets over $225.3 million in crypto assets that investigators say were tied to a complex global fraud operation.  According to the Justice Department, scammers used fake cryptocurrency investment platforms to trick hundreds of victims into transferring money into fraudulent accounts. Authorities say the scammers dispersed stolen funds across hundreds of…
'Heartless Frauds': Feds Seize Record $225M In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scammers 'Heartless Frauds': Feds Seize Record $225M In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scammers
'Heartless Frauds': Feds Seize Record $225M In Crypto From 'Pig Butchering' Scammers Federal agents have seized the largest amount of cryptocurrency ever related to "pig butchering" scams, where victims were tricked into fake online relationships. The Department of Justice announced the seizure of $225.3 million in crypto from the global "confidence scam" on Wednesday, June 18. The scam is also known as "pig butchering" since it uses tactics used to "fatten up" victims before draining their savings. Scammers relied on false identities through online messaging to gain trust and enter fake relationships before pushing fraudulent investments. "These scams prey …
Don’t Answer If You Get This Call, FBI Says Don’t Answer If You Get This Call, FBI Says
Don’t Answer If You Get This Call, FBI Says If you get a call from someone claiming to be the FBI or another government agency and threatens arrest unless you pay up, hang up. Scammers across the country are impersonating federal authorities and spoofing legitimate government phone numbers in a rising wave of fraud, authorities say. Victims are being told they face immediate arrest unless they send money via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, cash, or cryptocurrency. The threats are fake, but the financial losses are very real. Here’s how the scam works: Caller ID spoofing — Scammers manipulate phone numbers so it looks like the …
Trump Mobile, Gold Smartphone Released Amid Presidential Ethics Concerns Trump Mobile, Gold Smartphone Released Amid Presidential Ethics Concerns
Trump Mobile, Gold Smartphone Released Amid Presidential Ethics Concerns The Trump Organization is launching a new wireless plan, increasing ethical concerns surrounding President Donald Trump and his family's business dealings. Trump Mobile was unveiled on Monday, June 16, by the organization with two of the President's sons as executive vice presidents, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. The service claims to offer unlimited data, complete device protection, and 24/7 roadside assistance. A $499 golden smartphone called the "T1 Phone" will also be sold. The phone includes the Android 15 operating software, 256 gigabytes of storage, and "AI face unlock." The…
Woman, 2 Men Paid People To Produce Videos Of Monkeys Being Tortured, DOJ Says Woman, 2 Men Paid People To Produce Videos Of Monkeys Being Tortured, DOJ Says
Woman, 2 Men Paid People To Produce Videos Of Monkeys Being Tortured, DOJ Says Three Americans have been accused of participating in online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys. An indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, June 11, names Katrina D. Favret, of Tennessee, and Robert M. Craig, of North Carolina, according to the US Department of Justice. They are accused of conspiring with Ronald P. Bedra, of Etna, Ohio — who was previously charged — to produce so-called animal crush videos. Favret is also charged with directly creating and distributing such content. According to court documents, the group wo…
Mayor’s Bodyguard Tied To Crypto Torture Case? NYPD Officers Subject Of Internal Investigation Mayor’s Bodyguard Tied To Crypto Torture Case? NYPD Officers Subject Of Internal Investigation
Mayor’s Bodyguard Tied To Crypto Torture Case? Nypd Officers Subject Of Internal Investigation The bizarre Bitcoin torture saga playing out in a luxury Manhattan townhouse has now reached City Hall. Two members of the NYPD, including an officer assigned to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail, have been placed on modified duty amid an internal investigation into whether they had any involvement in the kidnapping and torture of an Italian crypto trader, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed to Daily Voice. The detective assigned to Adams’ security detail provided security at the Prince Street townhouse in Nolita where John Woeltz and William Duplessie allegedly tortured the victim for 17 days, …
After Weeks Of Torture Over Bitcoin Password, Italian National Escapes NYC Townhouse: DA After Weeks Of Torture Over Bitcoin Password, Italian National Escapes NYC Townhouse: DA
After Weeks Of Torture Over Bitcoin Password, Italian National Escapes NYC Townhouse: DA A second suspect was arrested in connection with a twisted kidnapping and torture plot that played out inside a luxury New York City townhouse that was all over stolen Bitcoin, prosecutors said. William Duplessie, 32, surrendered to NYPD detectives on Tuesday morning, May 27, days after his partner, 37-year–old John Woeltz, was charged with holding an Italian business associate hostage for over two weeks, the Manhattan DA’s Office said. Duplessie and Woeltz, the so-called “Crypto King Of Kentucky,” abducted the victim on Tuesday, May 6, at a townhouse on Prince Street in Nolita and stole hi…
Luigi Mangione Musical Is Real, And It's Sold Out Luigi Mangione Musical Is Real, And It's Sold Out
Luigi Mangione Musical Is Real, And It's Sold Out A new musical rooted in true crime and real-world headlines is making waves for its surreal premise — and stranger backstory. The creators of Luigi The Musical, which centers on controversial figure Luigi Mangione, say it will offer a unique blend of comedy and social critique, distancing itself from any glorification of violence. It will premiere on Friday, June 13, in San Francisco, at the Taylor Street Theater. Tickets for all five of its initial performances are sold out, with new dates expected to be announced, according to the show’s website. Mangione, a 27-year-old Maryland native, …
Seen Her? Woman Behind Alleged $4B Ponzi-Style Scheme Among FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted Seen Her? Woman Behind Alleged $4B Ponzi-Style Scheme Among FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted
Seen Her? Woman Behind Alleged $4B Ponzi-Style Scheme Among FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted She promised the next Bitcoin. What investors got instead was a $4 billion black hole—and a fugitive who hasn’t been seen since 2017. Ruja Ignatova, the woman once known as the “Cryptoqueen,” remains one of the world’s most elusive fugitives and is currently on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list.  The founder of the fraudulent cryptocurrency OneCoin, Ignatova is accused of orchestrating a massive Ponzi-style scheme that duped investors around the globe out of billions. Authorities say the scam began in 2014, when Ignatova launched OneCoin Ltd., a Bulgaria-based company that marketed itself…
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …
Long Island Man Charged In Montgomery County's First $2.3M Gold Bar Scam, Police Say Long Island Man Charged In Montgomery County's First $2.3M Gold Bar Scam, Police Say
Long Island Man Charged In Montgomery County's First $2.3M Gold Bar Scam, Police Say A Long Island man is accused of orchestrating a $2.3 million gold bar scam that targeted an elderly Montgomery County mother and her daughter, police say.  Montgomery County police have charged 26-year-old Yash Shah of Baldwin, New York, in a government-imposter scam that defrauded an 88-year-old woman and her 61-year-old daughter out of millions worth of gold bars. Authorities said this is the first reported scam of its kind in the county. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, the scheme began in February 2023, when the victims were contacted by someone claiming to…
Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland
Alleged Russian Ransomware Mastermind Extradited From South Korea To Maryland A Russian national accused of running a global ransomware operation that extorted more than $16 million from victims worldwide has been extradited from South Korea to Maryland to face federal charges, authorities announced. Evgenii Ptitsyn, 42, is charged with operating and administering the sale, distribution, and deployment of the notorious Phobos ransomware, which targeted over 1,000 public and private organizations globally, including schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.  Ptitsyn made his first appearance in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland earlier this …
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency President-Elect Donald Trump continues to fill his cabinet with loyalists and his biggest supporters following his sweeping victory in last week's election.  He announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that two billionaire former rivals turned allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, would head up his new Department of Government Efficiency.  Related: Trump Nominates NY Rep. Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador The tech entrepreneur, age 53, and the 39-year-old Harvard and Yale Law grad will be tasked with major cuts in government spending. Trump called it "The Manhattan Project" for a new…
'Bitcoin Beautee' In MD Admits To Role In $1.89B Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme 'Bitcoin Beautee' In MD Admits To Role In $1.89B Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme
'Bitcoin Beautee' In MD Admits To Role In $1.89B Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme A Maryland woman went under the name of “Bitcoin Beautee” during her role alongside two others in a Cryptocurrency fraud scheme that netted more than $1.89 billion, she admitted in US District Court on Monday, Jan. 29. Brenda Chunga, 43, of Severna Park, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud for her role as a promoter of HyperFund, also known as HyperTech, HyperCapital, HyperVerse, and HyperNation, US Attorney Erek Barron announced. The plea came just four days after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Sam Lee, 35, an Australian citizen…
Former Social Media Influencer In MD Gets Prison Time For $1.2M COVID Scheme Former Social Media Influencer In MD Gets Prison Time For $1.2M COVID Scheme
Former Social Media Influencer In MD Gets Prison Time For $1.2M COVID Scheme A former social media influencer from Maryland is heading to federal prison for his role in a $1.2 million COVID scheme involving wire fraud and money laundering. Denish Sahadevan, aka “Danny Devan,” 32, of Potomac, Maryland, was sentenced on Tuesday, Jan. 9 to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, authorities said. ‘Danny Devan’ gained a TikTok following for his financial advice regarding stocks and cryptocurrency: @.dannydevvan ♬ original sound - Stocks • Crypto • Money The …
Navy Engineer, Wife Sentenced For Trying To Sell American Submarine Secrets For Crypto: Feds Navy Engineer, Wife Sentenced For Trying To Sell American Submarine Secrets For Crypto: Feds
Navy Engineer, Wife Sentenced For Trying To Sell American Submarine Secrets For Crypto: Feds The wife of a former Navy engineer who worked with her husband and attempted to sell American secrets to a foreign country to an undercover operative got a longer sentence than her husband, federal officials announced on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Diana Toebbe, 46, of Annapolis, and husband Jonathan Toebbe, 44, serviced three “dead-drops," which were picked up by undercover FBI agents during a year-long sting operation, federal prosecutors said, leading to lengthy prison terms for both. On Wednesday, Jonathan Toebbe received a sentence of 232 months - more than 19 years - in prison, while his wife…
13 Chinese Nationals Charged With Multiple Acts Of Espionage By Feds In Washington, NJ, NY 13 Chinese Nationals Charged With Multiple Acts Of Espionage By Feds In Washington, NJ, NY
13 Chinese Nationals Charged With Multiple Acts Of Espionage By Feds In Washington, NJ, NY Thirteen people, including members of China’s security and intelligence services, have been charged with trying to recruit professors and others in the United States to act as agents for their country, federal authorities in New York, New Jersey and Washington, DC announced. Tales of international intrigue include allegations that the defendants plotted to steal documents from a federal prosecutor's office to subvert a criminal investigation into a major Chinese company. Some of them are also charged in a spy-versus-spy encounter involving a $41,000 bribe in Bitcoin paid to an American…
Marylanders Invested $15M Into Unregistered Crypto-Lending Platform Nexo, AG Says Marylanders Invested $15M Into Unregistered Crypto-Lending Platform Nexo, AG Says
Marylanders Invested $15M Into Unregistered Crypto-Lending Platform Nexo, AG Says The Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Securities Division is the latest to file a cease and desist order against a cryptocurrency account provider who allegedly violated state law. Nexo Group and its co-founder Antoni Trenchev violated the law “with the offer and sale of Nexo’s Earn Interest Product (EIP) accounts," Attorney General Brian Frosh and Attorneys General from seven other states said. More than 93,300 US residents have EIP accounts with Nexo Group, investigators noted, of which, more than 1,800 were from Maryland. Those accounts collectively hold assets totaling…