Crypto isn’t the problem.
Blind trust is.
In a major win against crypto-related crime, 45-year-old Chinese national Jingliang Su has been sentenced to 46 months in U.S. federal prison for his role in a massive $36.9 million “pig butchering” crypto scam that targeted 174 American victims.
Behind the numbers are real people—many lost their life savings. And the way this scam worked is a warning every crypto investor needs to understand.
🐷 What Is a “Pig Butchering” Scam? (And Why It Works)
These scams don’t start with crypto charts.
They start with conversation. Scammers first connect with victims on:
Dating apps ❤️
#Instagram ,
#Facebook ,
#Telegram Casual “friendly” chats
They build trust slowly—sometimes for weeks or months.
Once the victim feels safe, the scammer introduces a “crypto investment opportunity.”
📈 Fake trading platforms
📊 Fake profits shown on dashboards
💸 Real money deposits
At first, victims see profits. That’s the trap.
The moment larger amounts are deposited…
Funds disappear. Accounts freeze. Scammers vanish.
💰 How the Money Was Laundered
According to U.S. prosecutors, this operation was run from scam compounds in Cambodia, a growing hotspot for organized crypto fraud.
Here’s how the money flowed 👇
Victims wired money to U.S.-based shell companiesThose companies were secretly controlled by Jingliang SuFunds were routed through Deltec Bank in the BahamasMoney was converted into USDT (stablecoin)Crypto was sent to wallets in Southeast Asia
This layering made the trail hard to follow—but not impossible.
From March 2021 to April 2023, over $36.9 million was cleaned this way.
⚖️ The Sentence That Sends a Message
🧑⚖️ 46 months in federal prison💸 $26.87 million ordered in restitution📅 Sentenced on January 27, 2026📍 Central District of California
Su pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business, a serious crime under U.S. law.
He wasn’t alone—9 defendants were charged, all pleaded guilty, with sentences ranging from 36 to 51 months.
The DOJ, FBI, and IRS worked together to shut this down.
🌍 Why This Matters for Crypto
Let’s be clear 👇
Crypto didn’t scam anyone. People did.
But this case shows how:
Stablecoins like USDT enable fast, borderless transfersWeak regulation in some regions gets exploitedNew investors are targeted emotionally, not technically
These scams don’t just steal money.
They destroy trust in legitimate crypto innovation.
That’s why regulators worldwide are tightening rules—from U.S. AML laws to Europe’s MiCA framework.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself (Read This Twice)
If you’re in crypto, remember:
✅ Never trust “guaranteed profits”
✅ Don’t invest based on online friendships
✅ Use only verified, well-known exchanges
✅ Check platforms with official regulators
✅ If it feels too perfect—it’s a trap
Crypto rewards patience and knowledge, not shortcuts.
🧠 Final Thought
This sentencing is a warning—not just to criminals, but to investors.
In crypto:
Trust less. Verify more. Stay sharp.
Because in this market, survival is also a skill.
📌 DYOR. Stay safe. Protect your capital.
$BTC $SOL $BNB