Chinese National Sentenced to 46 Months for Laundering Millions Stolen from American Investors
In a significant crackdown on international financial crime, Chinese national Jingliang Su has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for his pivotal role in a sophisticated cryptocurrency fraud scheme that defrauded American investors. On January 27, 2026, federal courts not only imposed the prison term but also mandated Su to pay $26.9 million in restitution to the victims.
This case underscores the escalating threat posed by international financial crime networks that exploit digital assets to perpetrate large-scale fraud. The operation orchestrated by Su and his co-conspirators affected 174 victims across the United States, culminating in a collective loss of $36.9 million through fraudulent digital asset investments.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraudulent Scheme
Operating primarily from Cambodia, the criminal network employed a multifaceted approach to deceive unsuspecting investors. They utilized various communication channels, including social media platforms, phone calls, text messages, and online dating services, to establish a facade of trust with potential victims.
Once trust was established, the perpetrators promoted counterfeit digital asset investment opportunities via meticulously crafted websites that closely resembled legitimate cryptocurrency trading platforms. Victims, believing they were engaging in genuine investment activities, transferred funds directly into accounts controlled by the fraudulent network.
Sophisticated Money Laundering Infrastructure
A critical component of this fraudulent operation was its intricate money laundering infrastructure, designed to obscure the origins and movement of the stolen funds. After victims transferred their investments to shell company bank accounts, Su and his associates orchestrated the transfer of $36.9 million to a consolidated account at Deltec Bank in the Bahamas.
The funds were then converted into Tether (USDT), a stablecoin cryptocurrency known for maintaining a consistent value. This conversion facilitated rapid international transfers while circumventing traditional banking oversight mechanisms. Subsequently, the converted cryptocurrency was transferred to a digital asset wallet under the control of the network’s leaders in Cambodia. From there, the funds were disseminated throughout Southeast Asia, further complicating efforts to trace and recover the stolen assets.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In June 2025, Su pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, acknowledging his central role in managing the financial operations of this international fraud scheme. His sentencing to 46 months in prison and the restitution order of $26.9 million reflect the severity of his actions and their impact on the victims.
Additionally, eight co-conspirators have pleaded guilty, receiving sentences ranging from 36 to 51 months in prison. These legal actions highlight the commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantling complex financial crime networks and holding perpetrators accountable.
Broader Implications and Law Enforcement Response
This case serves as a stark reminder of how criminals are increasingly leveraging the internet and digital financial systems to execute large-scale fraud operations. The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Customs and Border Protection, were instrumental in dismantling this criminal network and tracing the flow of stolen funds.
The successful prosecution of Su and his associates underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation in combating international financial crimes that exploit digital assets. It also highlights the need for investors to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence before engaging in digital asset investments.
