Global romance baiting crypto-investment scam campaign
Campaign
Summary
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A coordinated romance baiting (pig butchering) crypto-investment campaign used social media, online dating sites, cold calls, and spoofed trading sites to steal at least $73.6m from victims. The operation mattered because it combined trust-building lures with fake investment infrastructure to move money at scale. It also broadened its reach with a tech support pretext when romance-style outreach did not work.
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Sources 1
About this happening:
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Law Enforcement
First: 11.02.2026 14:05
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Sources 1
How related:
A Chinese national has been sentenced to two decades behind bars for his part in a global crypto-investment fraud scheme which cost victims over $73m.
About this happening:
**Daren Li** was **sentenced** by a **Californian court** to **20 years** in prison for a **crypto-investment fraud** scheme that cost victims **over $73m**. The sentence was impo...
Daren Li sentenced in crypto-investment fraud case
Law EnforcementHow related: A Chinese national has been sentenced to two decades behind bars for his part in a global crypto-investment fraud scheme which cost victims over $73m.
About this happening: **Daren Li** was **sentenced** by a **Californian court** to **20 years** in prison for a **crypto-investment fraud** scheme that cost victims **over $73m**. The sentence was impo...
Timeline
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11.02.2026 14:05 2 articles · 3mo ago
Daren Li sentenced in absentia for crypto-investment fraud and laundering
Legal Policy Action UpdateA Californian court sentenced Daren Li to two decades behind bars for a global crypto-investment fraud and laundering scheme that cost victims at least $73.6m and used romance baiting, spoofed websites and domains, and US bank accounts tied to shell companies. The case narrative says Li pleaded guilty in November 2024, then cut off his electronic tag and disappeared in December 2025 before the in absentia sentence.
Show sources
- US Court Hands Crypto Scammer 20 Years in $73m Case — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 11.02.2026 14:05
- US Court Hands Crypto Scammer 20 Years in $73m Case — www.infosecurity-magazine.com — 11.02.2026 14:05