6-Year Prison Sentence for Running Illicit Bitcoin Exchange

Krutika Adani

Illicit Bitcoin Biz Busted

Massachusetts man Trung Nguyen sentenced to 6 years for running a cash-to-Bitcoin laundering scheme.

The Fake Vending Machine Front

Nguyen used “National Vending, LLC” as a cover to move $1M+ into Bitcoin for criminals—including a meth dealer.

How He Got Caught

Used encrypted chats, broke up deposits, and ignored anti-money laundering laws.

Victims Were Romance Scammers' Targets

Nguyen helped launder money from romance scam victims—people tricked into sending Bitcoin to fraudsters.

The Sentence: 6 Years + $1.5M Forfeiture

Judge also ordered 3 years of supervised release and seizure of over $1.5M in illegal profits.

Know more