Crypto scammer accused of stealing $73.6 million sentenced to 20 years

Daren Li, 42, has been sentenced to the statutory maximum of 20 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in an international cryptocurrency investment conspiracy carried out from scam centers in the Kingdom of Cambodia. He is accused, alongside co-conspirators, of stealing at least $73.6 million.

Li allegedly cut off an ankle monitor and fled in December 2025, and was sentenced in absentia. General A. Tysen Duva of the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division said it "will work with our law enforcement partners around the world to ensure that Li is returned to the United States to serve his full sentence." Prosecutors say the group established spoofed domains and websites that resembled legitimate cryptocurrency trading platforms, then promoted fraudulent investments after gaining victims’ trust.

Some members posed as customer service or tech support and asked for payment in cryptocurrency, which could then be laundered.

Cambodia

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