Crypto Influencer Impersonator Sentenced to 15 Months in Queens Staking Scam
Federal authorities in Queens, New York, delivered a swift verdict on a high‑profile crypto fraud case on June 24, 2026. Noman Saleem, a 39‑year‑old resident of Queens and Levittown, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to operating a deceptive cryptocurrency staking scam that pretended to be run by well‑known crypto influencers on the messaging platform Telegram.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, Saleem duplicated the Telegram handles of two popular crypto personalities in late 2020. By creating a public channel that attracted thousands of users, he built what appeared to be a legitimate community. He then launched a paid “VIP” sub‑channel, charging members roughly $500‑$600 in cryptocurrency for direct access. Within the VIP channel, he promoted staking rewards with terms ranging from 30 to 90 days, promising larger payouts for larger deposits. However, the promised staking never occurred; instead, victims' funds were transferred to wallets under Saleem’s control.
The fraudulent scheme amassed at least $1.4 million in cryptocurrency and U.S. dollars. Victims sent funds to virtual wallets that were later traced to Saleem, who subsequently cut off all contact and disappeared with the money. Prosecutors noted that the deception leveraged the trust and credibility associated with established crypto influencers, making it difficult for investors to discern the fraud.
After a guilty plea in September 2025, Saleem faced a federal sentencing hearing. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow imposed a 15‑month prison term and three years of supervised release. The court emphasized the seriousness of impersonating public figures to facilitate financial crimes, noting the broader impact on public confidence in legitimate cryptocurrency ventures.
This conviction adds to a growing wave of federal actions targeting crypto‑related fraud, especially schemes that hide behind pseudonymous digital wallets and social‑media impersonation. The government’s recovery efforts have reclaimed a significant portion of the stolen assets, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and diligent investigative work in combating crypto scams.
Investors are reminded to verify the authenticity of any crypto investment opportunity, especially those presented through social‑media channels. Legal experts advise thorough due diligence, including confirming official communication channels and seeking independent financial advice before committing funds to high‑return promises.
