Noman Saleem, 39, of Queens and Levittown, New York, was sentenced to 15 months in prison on Tuesday for operating a wire-fraud scheme in which he impersonated well-known crypto influencers on Telegram to steal at least $1.4 million from investors, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow handed down the sentence, which also includes three years of supervised release. Saleem ran the scheme starting in December 2020, creating fake Telegram accounts that mimicked popular crypto figures, then charging victims $500 to $600 for access to a "VIP" channel where he promised guaranteed staking returns over 30- to 90-day terms before disappearing with their funds. Prosecutors stated the government recovered much of the stolen crypto and cash after Saleem pleaded guilty last September. The case, investigated by the FBI's Baltimore field office, represents the latest U.S. prosecution targeting fraud schemes that exploit trusted crypto personalities and the appeal of passive income to defraud investors.
Saleem Impersonated Crypto Influencers on Telegram to Collect Victim Funds
Starting in December 2020, Saleem set up Telegram handles copying two well-known crypto influencers, according to prosecutors. He built a public channel that drew thousands of followers, then charged approximately $500 to $600 in crypto for access to a private "VIP" channel. Members believed they were messaging the actual influencer directly. In the VIP channel, Saleem advertised staking opportunities over 30- to 90-day terms, telling investors that higher deposits would generate higher returns. He never staked any of the funds he collected. Court documents show Saleem stole at least $1.4 million in crypto and cash, including from a victim in Maryland. Once he received the funds, he cut off contact and disappeared.
Judge Chasanow Sentenced Saleem to 15 Months in Prison
U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Saleem to 15 months in federal prison on Tuesday, followed by three years of supervised release. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland announced the sentencing. Saleem had pleaded guilty last September to wire fraud in connection with the impersonation scheme.
Government Recovered Majority of Stolen Crypto and Cash
Prosecutors stated the government clawed back much of the $1.4 million Saleem stole after he entered his guilty plea last September. The FBI's Baltimore field office investigated the case.
FAQ
What did Noman Saleem do to defraud crypto investors?
Noman Saleem impersonated well-known crypto influencers on Telegram starting in December 2020. He created fake Telegram handles copying two popular figures, built a public channel with thousands of followers, then charged victims $500 to $600 in crypto for access to a "VIP" channel. In the VIP channel, he promised staking returns over 30- to 90-day terms but never staked any funds, stealing at least $1.4 million before cutting off contact.
How long was Noman Saleem sentenced to prison?
U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Noman Saleem to 15 months in federal prison on Tuesday, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud in connection with the Telegram impersonation scheme.
Did the government recover the stolen crypto from Saleem's fraud?
Prosecutors stated the government recovered much of the at least $1.4 million in crypto and cash that Saleem stole, after he pleaded guilty last September.
