A fake crypto influencer from New York received 15 months in prison for a $1.4 million staking scheme
Cryptocurrency fraud continues to take sophisticated forms, and a recent sentencing in the US is a stark example. 39-year-old Noman Salim from Queens and Levittown was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for creating fake investment schemes. He impersonated well-known crypto influencers on Telegram to defraud trusting investors.
How the Identity Theft Scheme Worked
In 2020, Salim copied the username of a popular crypto influencer on Telegram and created a public channel that thousands of users subscribed to. He then organized a paid VIP chat with a subscription fee ranging from $500 to $600 in cryptocurrency. Participants were convinced they were communicating directly with a real expert and paid for "exclusive" advice.
Later, the fraudster repeated the trick with another influencer, expanding his audience. He offered victims fixed-income staking for periods of 30 to 90 days, promising higher payouts for large deposits. However, in reality, Salim did not place funds in staking — all promises were fictitious.
Financial Losses and Justice
Victims transferred cryptocurrency to wallets controlled by Salim. After receiving the assets, he cut off contact and disappeared with the money. According to the investigation, the scheme generated at least $1.4 million in cryptocurrency and US dollars. Salim returned most of this amount to the state as part of a plea deal.
The sentence was handed down by US District Judge Deborah C. Chasanow. Salim pleaded guilty in September 2025. Upon release, he was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Expert Analysis
This case is a classic example of exploiting trust in public figures within the crypto community. Fraudsters are well aware that Telegram's anonymity and the thirst for quick profits make investors vulnerable. It is important to remember: no self-respecting influencer would offer guaranteed income through paid VIP chats. Real staking requires transparent terms and verified platforms.
This sentencing also demonstrates that US authorities are actively pursuing cybercriminals hiding behind anonymous crypto wallets. This is a positive signal for the market, but it does not eliminate the need for personal vigilance.