New York Man Admits to Defrauding Investors by Posing as Cryptocurrency Influencers

A 38-year-old man from New York has pleaded guilty to charges related to a wire fraud scheme involving impersonating popular cryptocurrency influencers to defraud investors. Noman Saleem, of Queens and Levittown, New York, admitted to orchestrating an investment scam that promised guaranteed returns on cryptocurrency staking or investment opportunities. The scheme defrauded victims, including at least one individual in Maryland, of significant sums of money.

According to information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Saleem began his fraudulent activities in December 2020 and continued through at least March 2021. He created fake online personas that mimicked well-known figures in the cryptocurrency space, using these false identities to solicit investments. Victims were convinced to transfer their cryptocurrency to virtual wallets controlled by Saleem, believing they were participating in a legitimate staking or investment program that offered substantial and assured profits. Once Saleem gained control of the digital assets, he reportedly ceased communication with his victims and absconded with their funds.

The investigation revealed that Saleem utilized the messaging application Telegram to execute his scheme. He established a public channel under the guise of a popular crypto influencer, which attracted thousands of followers. Additionally, he created a private “VIP” channel, requiring a subscription fee of approximately $500 to $600 in cryptocurrency. Within these channels, Saleem advertised staking rewards with terms ranging from 30 to 90 days, promising greater returns for larger investments. However, the plea agreement states that Saleem never actually engaged in any cryptocurrency staking.

During the course of the fraudulent operation, Saleem is reported to have obtained at least $1,798,529 in U.S. currency. The prosecution has indicated that a significant portion of these illicit gains, both in cryptocurrency and U.S. dollars, have been recovered. Saleem faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal factors.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes of the District of Maryland, along with FBI Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Baltimore Field Office, announced the guilty plea. The FBI has been commended for its investigative efforts in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Evelyn L. Cusson are prosecuting the case, with Paralegal Specialist Shelbe Mascaro providing assistance.

The public is reminded that investments in cryptocurrency carry inherent risks, as cryptocurrencies are not backed by any nation’s fiat currency. Understanding the nature of public and private keys, as well as wallet functionalities, is crucial for anyone involved in digital asset transactions. Those who believe they may have been victims of fraud are encouraged to explore resources available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

---