7 Important Facts of 20-Year Sentence in Rp1.22 Trillion Crypto Scam Case

Jakarta, Pintu News – A global cryptocurrency fraud case recently reached a landmark chapter after a fugitive was sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison by a US federal court for his role in an investment scam worth an estimated USD 73 million (approximately Rp1.22 trillion). The case underscores the high risk in the crypto investment space and how international law deals with organized fraud.

1. Offender Identity and Maximum Penalty

Daren Li, 42, a dual citizen of China and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court in the Central District of California. He was convicted in absentia of removing an electronic monitoring device in December 2025 and absconding. This sentence is the maximum allowed by US federal law for the crime he committed.

This case shows the determination of US law enforcement in tackling large-scale fraud in the cryptocurrency space. Although Li has not yet been caught and remains a fugitive, this verdict puts him at risk of significant punishment once he is apprehended. The judge also added three years of supervision after the sentence expires.

Also Read: 5 Shocking Facts About Jeffrey Epstein’s Influence in Silicon Valley

2. Scam Scheme: “Pig Butchering”

The fraud scheme is called “pig butchering,” a fraud tactic where the perpetrator builds a relationship with the victim through social media, dating services, and other online communications. The perpetrator then tricks the victim into investing their money in a fake cryptocurrency investment platform.

Scammers use professional-looking dummy websites to convince victims that their investments are safe and profitable. Once victims transfer funds through bank accounts and crypto platforms, their money is converted into digital assets and difficult to track.

3. Total Casualty Loss and Scale of Operation

In this scheme, Li and his associates managed to extract at least USD 73.6 million from victims. Most of these funds flowed through shell bank accounts in the US before being converted into cryptocurrency and distributed.

The court found that the tactics involved not just one platform, but a network of fake sites and accounts designed to mimic legitimate financial services. This shows how sophisticated scams capitalize on the openness of the crypto ecosystem.

4. International Roles and Locations of Scam Operations

The scheme was run from a fraud center located in the Kingdom of Cambodia, where Daren Li worked alongside other conspirators to run the global operation. This kind of scheme is an example of how crypto fraud often crosses borders and is difficult to trace.

The involvement of foreign locations demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in the investigation and enforcement of digital financial crimes. The US government has expressed its commitment to continue pursuing the perpetrators until they are brought to justice.

5. Fraud Techniques Used

The perpetrators utilize various digital channels to build trust, including direct messages on social media and dating apps. They then offer fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities that promise huge returns in a short period of time.

Once a victim sends funds, the money is laundered through several shell companies and bank accounts before being converted into digital assets to disguise its origin. This tactic makes it difficult for authorities to trace the money’s path back to the perpetrator.

6. Message to Crypto Investors

This case serves as a warning to investors to always be wary of crypto investment offers that seem too good to be true. Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated in using digital platforms to attract and defraud victims.

Investors, especially beginners, are advised to conduct independent verification of investment platforms and avoid sudden investment communications through social media or dating apps. Official information and reputation should be the basis of any investment decision.

7. Legal Implications and Enforcement

The 20-year sentence shows that financial crimes in the crypto sector can lead to severe penalties on par with traditional financial crimes. This marks an increase in law enforcement efforts in response to modern scams that utilize digital technology.

Law enforcement continues to work together internationally to crack down on perpetrators, while sending a strong message that the crypto space is not beyond the reach of the law. Investors around the world should also remain vigilant against the threat of fraud.

Also Read: 5 Interesting Facts Behind 2.5 BTC Transfer to Genesis Bitcoin Wallet

Follow us on Google News to stay up to date with the latest crypto and blockchain technology. Check Bitcoin price, USDT to IDR and Nvidia stock price tokenized via Pintu Market.

Enjoy an easy and secure crypto trading experience by downloading the Pintu crypto app via Play Store or App Store now. Also, experience web trading with advanced trading tools such as pro charting, various order types, and portfolio tracker only at Pintu Pro.

*Disclaimer

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Crypto trading activities are subject to high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold hard cash before investing. All activities of buying and selling Bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.

Reference

• Decrypt Media. US Sentences Fugitive to 20 Years Over $73 Million Crypto Scam. Accessed February 11, 2026.