Federal Judge Sentences Tech Support Impersonator
A federal judge sentenced 20-year-old Trenton Johnston to time served for his role in a cryptocurrency laundering scheme.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Trenton Johnston, a 20-year-old who moved to the Miami area in 2024, received a sentence of time served after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy. He surrendered $3.8 million in stolen cryptocurrency as part of the case.
Why it matters
The case highlights the growing intersection of international cybercrime and immigration enforcement. Johnston, who overstayed his visa, is now expected to be deported to Canada following his sentencing.
Johnston received a sentence of time served and agreed to a U.S. immigration removal order. He faces an additional outstanding drug possession charge in Florida.
The players
Trenton Johnston
A 20-year-old Canadian national who pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy after conducting cryptocurrency thefts.
The details
Johnston impersonated tech support staff to trick victims into sharing cryptocurrency wallet codes, often demonstrating his methods to others on Discord. The scheme included swindling 185 Bitcoin from a single victim in California.
Timeline
January 2024: Johnston began his cryptocurrency theft scheme.
October 2024: Johnston entered the U.S. from Canada.
March 2026: Police arrested Johnston in a Rolls-Royce.
April 2026: Johnston agreed to a U.S. removal order.
October 26, 2026: The judge sentenced Johnston to time served.
Legal Context
The sentence reflects the standard federal approach to prosecuting foreign nationals who commit financial crimes while overstaying U.S. visas. This case follows a pattern where criminal convictions trigger immediate removal proceedings under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
Residents should remain vigilant against unsolicited contacts claiming to be tech support, as these scams often lead to significant financial loss. This case serves as a reminder to never share digital wallet codes with individuals encountered online.
The takeaway
Scammers often target cryptocurrency holders by posing as IT professionals to gain unauthorized access to private keys. Individuals are encouraged to keep wallet access codes private and never share screens with unverified support staff.
Further reading
Read more about similar investigations in our Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBC News.
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