US DOJ Charges Two Chinese Citizens in $73 Million Crypto Scam

As a researcher with a background in financial crimes and cryptocurrencies, I find the recent development in the $73 million Chinese crypto scam case intriguing. The arrest of Daren Li and Yicheng Zhang is a significant step forward in holding bad actors accountable for their actions. With the use of pig butchering schemes becoming increasingly prevalent in the crypto space, it’s crucial that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and proactive.


Two Chinese citizens have been accused by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) of orchestrating a fraudulent crypto scheme worth over $73 million. This revelation was made in an official statement released on May 17th by the DOJ following the apprehension of the suspects.

According to Reuters, based on unsealed court records, Daren Li, a Chinese-St. Kittian national, was taken into custody at Atlanta’s airport in April. Separately, Yicheng Zhang was detained in Los Angeles on May 16th.

Two men are under suspicion for swindling victims out of approximately $73 million through a notorious “pig butchering” cryptocurrency fraud scheme that has emerged in the past few months.

Defendants Could Face 20 Years on Each Count

Based on the latest announcement, the accused individuals are facing charges for conspiring to launder money, as well as being slammed with six separate charges for international money laundering. Should they be convicted, both men stand the risk of serving up to 20 years in prison for each offense.

Despite the intricate and elusive nature of cryptocurrency fraud, those who engage in such unlawful activities cannot evade the long arm of the law. “Fraud in the crypto realm may manifest in various forms and conceal itself in seemingly remote locales, but its perpetrators are not immune to legal proceedings.”

As a crypto investor, I would put it this way: The defendants reportedly asked their accomplices to establish U.S. bank accounts using those companies, while they deceived victims into sending their funds to those specific accounts instead.

Crypto Scam: Regulators Mount Pressure 

Authorities have been working diligently to crack down on crypto scams and related issues in the market recently. This is evident in the proposed regulations and industry guidelines they have introduced. Although these measures are praised for safeguarding investors and securing digital assets, some regulations may inadvertently impede the growth of the cryptocurrency sector.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed the ongoing regulatory uncertainties in the US that have sparked several legal battles between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and crypto companies. This situation leaves us all in a state of limbo, unsure of the exact rules governing our investments.

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2024-05-17 22:17