Chinese Hacker Gets 46 Months for $36.9M Crypto Scam

• Jingliang Su sentenced 46 months for $36.9M crypto scam targeting 174 U.S. victims.
• Stolen funds converted to USDT, routed to Cambodia scam centers via fake trading platforms.
• DOJ warns public as global scam networks exploit digital assets and social media outreach.

A Chinese national will spend nearly four years behind bars for his role in a massive cryptocurrency scam. 

Jingliang Su, 45, received a 46-month federal prison sentence for laundering over $36.9 million from U.S. victims. The operation ran from scam centers based in Cambodia. Judge R. Gary Klausner also ordered Su to pay $26.8 million in restitution.

International Network Targeted 174 Americans

Su pleaded guilty in June 2025 to conspiracy to operate an illegal money transmitting business. 

The Department of Justice revealed that he worked within an international criminal network. This group systematically targeted American investors through sophisticated fraud tactics. Investigators identified 174 U.S. victims who lost their savings to the scheme.

The scammers contacted victims through multiple channels. They used unsolicited social media messages, phone calls, texts, and dating apps. 

Their goal was simple: gain trust before introducing fraudulent investment opportunities. The criminals built relationships over time to make their pitch more convincing.

Fake Trading Platforms Deceived Investors

The operation relied on deception at every level. Co-conspirators created fake websites designed to mimic legitimate cryptocurrency trading platforms. 

Victims believed they were investing through real exchanges. They sent funds thinking their money would generate returns.

The scammers provided false updates showing investments were growing. In reality, the money disappeared immediately into criminal accounts. Victims had no access to actual trading platforms or real investments.

Money Laundering Through Bahamas and Cambodia

The DOJ outlined a complex money laundering process. Victim funds flowed from U.S. bank accounts to a single account at Deltec Bank in the Bahamas. 

Su and his associates then directed the bank to convert these funds into Tether (USDT). The stablecoin provided a way to move money quickly across borders.

From the Bahamas, the converted USDT transferred to a digital wallet controlled in Cambodia. Co-conspirators operating from Cambodian scam centers received the funds. They distributed the stolen money to various scam operation leaders throughout the region.

Eight Co-Conspirators Face Justice

Su is not the only person facing consequences. Eight co-conspirators have pleaded guilty so far in this case. Jose Somarriba and ShengSheng He both admitted to conspiracy charges. He received 51 months in prison while Somarriba got 36 months.

Su has remained in federal custody since December 2024. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill 

Essayli warned investors to exercise caution with new opportunities. He emphasized that prevention is more valuable than dealing with fraud aftermath.

The investigation involved multiple agencies working together. The U.S. Secret Service’s Global Investigative Operations Center led the case. 

Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service all contributed. International cooperation included assistance from Dominican National Police.

The Criminal Division has secured over 180 cybercriminal convictions since 2020. Courts have ordered the return of more than $350 million to victims. This case represents ongoing efforts to dismantle scam centers operating worldwide.

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