Rodney Burton, known as 'Bitcoin Rodney,' pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business linked to HyperFund, a $1.8 billion crypto fraud scheme. The scheme promised investors daily returns of 0.5% to 1% from fictional crypto-mining revenue. From June 2020 to January 2022, Burton promoted HyperFund and received at least $7.8 million in proceeds. He faces up to five years in prison, with sentencing set for July 23. Co-conspirators Sam Lee and Brenda Chunga have also been charged. HyperFund, one of the largest crypto Ponzi schemes, collapsed in November 2022 after multiple rebrands, impacting thousands of victims globally.

Key facts

• Rodney Burton pleaded guilty to conspiracy for unlicensed money transmitting related to HyperFund.
• HyperFund promised 0.5-1% daily returns from fake crypto-mining revenue.
• Burton personally received at least $7.8 million from the scheme.
• He faces a maximum of 5 years in prison, sentencing on July 23.
• Co-conspirators Sam Lee and Brenda Chunga were also charged in the $1.8B fraud.

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