The United States prosecution disclosed that a New York man had been sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment for posing as a well-known encrypted opinion leader in Telegram, selling to investors the so-called “high-rewarded” false pledge. Once again, the case shows that the identity of social platforms remains a common method of encryption fraud.

By Telegram impersonating a red stream

According to the Maryland Federal Attorney's Office, 39-year-old Noman Saleem is from Queens and Levidon, New York. He created Telegram accounts similar to the two well-known encryption networks that attracted attention and operated an open channel with thousands of followers.

He then sold the so-called “VIP” channel to the users for admission at a rate of approximately $500 to $600 in encrypted currency. Victims feel that they are communicating directly with genuine, encrypted opinion leaders and are therefore more likely to believe in the investment opportunities they propose.

Fraudulent funds from false pledge projects

According to the prosecution, Saleem promoted false encryption pledge opportunities to users in private channels and promised to “ensure return”. After the victim had transferred the funds, he had not invested as promised, but had appropriated them.

According to court documents, he had obtained at least $1.4 million through this telecommunications fraud scheme, in the form of encrypted money and cash, including a victim from Maryland County.

  • Noman Saleem, 39 years old
  • Amount involved: at least $1.4 million
  • Channel of crime: Telegram Open Channel and VIP Group

Prosecution claims that most of the assets have been recovered

United States District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow has sentenced Saleem to three years of custodial release, in addition to 15 months of imprisonment. The prosecution stated that he pleaded guilty last September.

The Prosecutor also stated that the Government had recovered most of the assets involved, in the form of encrypted money and cash. The case reflects the fact that impersonating prominent individuals, committing fixed proceeds and moving communication back into private groups remains the more common route of fraud in the encrypted community.