https://cbs12.com/news/local/florida-white-collar-crime-news-cryptocurrency-scam-crypto-victims-lose-13-million-dollars-alleged-miami-scam-duo-splurged-cars-bling-canada-fraud-money-laundering-harboring-arrest-money-jewelry-cars-funds-prison-time-visa-overstayed

MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — A Canadian man living illegally in South Florida is accused of running a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam from the Miami area, one that prosecutors say drained more than $13 million from victims.

A federal grand jury has indicted 19-year-old Trenton Richard David Johnston and his alleged coconspirator, 28-year-old Brandon Michael Tardibone of Miami, on charges related to cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

Authorities say Johnston overstayed his visa and remained in the United States unlawfully while operating what investigators describe as a well-organized scam targeting cryptocurrency users. Prosecutors allege Johnston and others posed as customer support representatives from a popular search engine and several cryptocurrency-related companies.

By posing as tech support, the group allegedly convinced victims that their accounts were compromised. That deception, investigators say, allowed the conspirators to gain access to digital accounts and cryptocurrency wallets — and then transfer the funds out.

Federal officials estimate victims lost more than $13 million, and they believe additional victims have yet to be identified.