U.S. DOJ Jails Chinese National for $36.9M Crypto Scam

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a conviction tied to a large crypto fraud case. A federal court sentenced Chinese national Jingliang Su to 46 months in prison. According to the court, he helped launder more than $36.9 million from a fake crypto investment scheme. The scam targeted at least 174 U.S. citizens. In addition to jail time, the judge ordered Su to repay about $26.9 million to victims. Officials said the case shows how global scam networks use digital assets to move stolen money fast.

How the Scam Worked

According to DOJ, court records show the scheme began with online contact. Scammers reached out to victims through social media, phone calls, texts and dating apps. They slowly built trust. Then they pushed fake crypto investments. The group created websites that looked like real trading platforms. Victims sent money to these sites. The scammers then showed fake profits on the screen. 

According to DOJ, a U.S. court sentenced Chinese national Jingliang Su to 46 months in prison for laundering over $36.9 million from a crypto investment scam that targeted 174 U.S. victims. Su helped move funds from fake trading platforms, converting them into USDT and…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 31, 2026

In reality, the money was already gone. More than $36.9 million moved from U.S. bank accounts into one account in the Bahamas. From there, Su and others converted the funds into the stablecoin USDT. After that, they sent the crypto to wallets in Cambodia. Leaders at scam centers in the region received the funds next.

Laundering Role and Global Network

Su did not run the scam alone. He worked as part of an international group. His main role was to help move and clean the money. He helped route funds through shell companies and crypto wallets. This made it harder to trace. Investigators later linked the wallets to scam hubs in Cambodia. 

U.S. officials said this structure is common. One group tricks victims. Another group moves the money. Eight people have pleaded guilty in this case so far. Some already received prison sentences. Law enforcement said the case took months of tracking bank transfers and blockchain records. Agencies in several countries also helped with arrests and evidence.

What Comes Next

Officials used the case to warn the public. They said new investment offers can hide serious risks. Many scams now mix romance, social media and crypto. That makes them harder to spot. The Justice Department (DOJ) said it will keep going after people who support scam centers. This includes money movers and tech helpers. Authorities also plan to seize more crypto linked to fraud. For victims, the ruling brings some relief. Still, many lost life savings. 

The case shows that crypto crime crosses borders fast. But it also shows that police can follow the trail. Even digital money leaves clues. For now, the message is clear. If you see a promise of easy profits online, slow down, check twice. Scammers move fast but justice, in this case, moved faster.