Fake Crypto Influencer Sentenced to 15 Months for $1.4M Telegram Fraud

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland, Noman Saleem, 39, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on June 23 for a wire-fraud scheme that defrauded investors of at least $1.4 million.

Starting in December 2020, Saleem impersonated well-known crypto influencers on Telegram, charging $500–$600 for access to fake "VIP" channels where he promised staking rewards of 30–90 days. After collecting crypto and cash from thousands of followers, he disappeared with the funds. The U.S. Attorney's Office stated that prosecutors recovered much of the stolen funds in crypto and cash following Saleem's guilty plea in September.