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Teen Scammer Pleads Guilty After Stealing $13M in Crypto for Lavish Lifestyle

Teen Scammer Pleads Guilty After Stealing $13M in Crypto for Lavish Lifestyle

First seen 11 Jun 2026, 06:27 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •June 12, 2026 at 06:08 UTC
  • •Trenton Richard Johnston stole over $13 million in crypto via social engineering scams.
  • •He impersonated employees from Google and Trezor to access victims' accounts.
  • •Johnston used stolen funds for luxury purchases, including cars and private jets.

Trenton Richard Johnston, a Canadian teen, stole over $13 million in cryptocurrency through social engineering scams. He impersonated employees from Google and Trezor to gain access to victims' crypto accounts. Johnston was arrested in March 2026 during a traffic stop, where investigators uncovered his fraud scheme. In May 2026, he was charged and recently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. The stolen funds were used to finance a luxurious lifestyle, including luxury cars and private jet trips. Johnston's actions highlight the growing threat of social engineering in the cryptocurrency space. He has since returned approximately 53.16 Bitcoin and 275.23 Ether, valued at $3.7 million. Prosecutors recommend a sentence of 51 to 63 months in prison for Johnston.

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Updated 101d ago How this analysis works

Timeline

2024-01-01
Johnston's scam efforts began
Johnston and co-conspirators started their fraudulent activities targeting crypto users.
Cointelegraph
2024-02-01
First successful scam executed
Johnston tricked a victim into believing their Google email and Coinbase accounts were compromised, stealing $41,000 in Ether.
Cointelegraph
2024-02-25
Major theft of $13 million in Bitcoin
Johnston and co-conspirators impersonated Google and Trezor representatives to drain a victim's Bitcoin account.
Cointelegraph
2026-03-01
Johnston arrested during traffic stop
Johnston was pulled over for speeding in a Rolls-Royce, leading to the discovery of his fraud scheme.
Cointelegraph
2026-05-01
Johnston charged with conspiracy
US prosecutors charged Johnston with conspiracy to commit money laundering, avoiding additional charges.
Cointelegraph
2026-06-11
Johnston pleads guilty
Johnston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a recommended sentence of 51 to 63 months in prison.
Cryptonews

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