Crypto Impostor: 15 months in prison for fake staking in the name of influencers
A U.S. federal court has sentenced 39-year-old New York resident Noman Salim to 15 months in prison. The fraudster impersonated well-known crypto influencers on Telegram to lure victims into a fake staking scheme. This story is a stark example of how messenger anonymity and trust in public figures become tools in the hands of criminals.
How the Impersonation Scheme Worked
In 2020, Salim copied the username of a popular crypto influencer on Telegram and created a public channel that thousands of users subscribed to. He then organized a paid VIP chat, access to which cost between $500 and $600 in cryptocurrency. Participants were convinced they were communicating directly with the real expert and paid for "exclusive" investment advice.
Later, the fraudster created a similar structure under the name of a second influencer, expanding his audience. Victims were offered staking with fixed returns for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days, as well as higher payouts for large deposits. However, no actual investments were made — Salim simply appropriated all incoming assets.
Financial Results and Verdict
According to the investigation, victims transferred cryptocurrency to wallets controlled by Salim. After receiving the funds, the fraudster cut off communication and disappeared. The total amount of damages amounted to at least $1.4 million in cryptocurrency and fiat dollars.
U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanu imposed a sentence that includes three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Salim returned most of the stolen funds to the state as part of an agreement with the prosecution. He pleaded guilty in September 2025.
Expert Opinion: This case is yet another reminder that even in the era of "decentralization," trust in public figures can be dangerous. Investors should always verify the authenticity of channels and never transfer funds to addresses not officially confirmed. Authorities, for their part, demonstrate that blockchain anonymity is not a guarantee of impunity and are actively pursuing the organizers of such schemes.