Who is Trenton Richard Johnston?

Trenton Richard Johnston is a Canadian citizen who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with a crypto fraud scheme. Prosecutors say he helped steal more than $13 million in cryptocurrency through social engineering attacks.

How did the $13 million crypto scam work?

According to prosecutors, Johnston and his co-conspirators impersonated employees of companies such as Google and Trezor. They convinced victims that their accounts or wallets had been compromised, allowing the scammers to gain access to cryptocurrency holdings.

How much cryptocurrency was stolen?

The fraud ring allegedly stole more than $13 million worth of cryptocurrency from victims. One of the largest incidents involved a California victim who lost approximately $13 million in Bitcoin after being deceived by fake support representatives.

What is a social engineering attack?

A social engineering attack relies on manipulating people rather than exploiting software vulnerabilities. Scammers gain trust by pretending to be legitimate organisations or individuals and then persuade victims to reveal sensitive information or approve transactions.

How was the stolen crypto allegedly spent?

Prosecutors say approximately $1.2 million was spent on luxury purchases within two months. The spending allegedly included BMW vehicles, a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, private jet rentals, luxury accommodation and other high-end lifestyle expenses.

How was Johnston caught?

Johnston's involvement was reportedly uncovered after he was stopped for speeding while driving a Rolls-Royce. Investigators later seized electronic devices and notes that allegedly linked him to the broader fraud operation.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Teen crypto scammer admits role in $13M theft

Written by Liezl GambePublished Jun 11, 2026, 5:14 AM

A Canadian teenager has pleaded guilty to his role in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme that stole more than $13 million from victims and funded a lavish lifestyle involving luxury cars, private jets and expensive accommodation.

Trenton Richard Johnston, now 20, admitted to conspiracy to commit money laundering after prosecutors accused him and his co-conspirators of impersonating representatives from Google, Trezor and other crypto firms to gain access to victims' digital assets.

The largest theft occurred in March 2024 when the group allegedly convinced a California victim that their crypto wallet had been compromised, enabling the attackers to steal approximately $13 million worth of Bitcoin.

According to prosecutors, around $1.2 million of the stolen cryptocurrency was spent within two months on luxury purchases, including BMW vehicles, a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, private jet travel and a rental property in Miami.

“This case shows that some of the biggest crypto thefts today are not driven by sophisticated code exploits, but by basic human manipulation,”

Said Cyvers chief executive, Deddy Lavid.

Johnston's involvement was uncovered after he was stopped for speeding in a Rolls-Royce in March, leading investigators to seize electronic devices and handwritten notes that linked him to the wider fraud operation.

As part of his cooperation agreement, Johnston has surrendered more than 53 Bitcoin and 275 Ether worth approximately $3.7 million, while prosecutors have recommended a prison sentence of between 51 and 63 months in exchange for his guilty plea and assistance with the investigation.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $62,534.20.

Teen crypto scammer admits role in $13M theft

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