In a groundbreaking legal case, the U.S. Justice Department has announced a significant ruling regarding a cryptocurrency scheme that had previously resulted in a substantial fine by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in April 2023. This case illuminates the ongoing efforts to regulate the burgeoning digital currency market and hold individuals accountable for fraudulent activities.
Mastermind of Crypto Price Manipulation Scheme Convicted
Shane Hampton, a 32-year-old from Philadelphia, has been convicted for his role in orchestrating a price manipulation scheme involving Hydrogen Technology’s cryptocurrency HYDRO. Serving as the head of financial engineering, Hampton led the activity to artificially inflate the price of HYDRO, deceiving investors in the process.
The Mechanism of Fraud Revealed
The fraudulent operations were conducted using an automated trading system, provided by Moonwalkers Trading Limited, a South African firm, which performed “wash trades” totalling $7 million. These deceptive trades were executed to simulate market activity and generate over $300 million in illusory trades. As a result, Hampton and his cohorts successfully inflated their personal gains by more than $1.5 million through the sale of their holdings.
Shane Hampton now awaits sentencing on April 29, with the potential of facing up to 20 years in prison for his actions. Michael Kane, CEO of Hydrogen Technology, and engineer Andrew Chorlian are also in line for sentencing. In a related judgment, Tyler Ostern, CEO of Moonwalkers Trading Limited, has already been sentenced to two years of imprisonment.