A New York man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a crypto investment scam that targeted victims in Maryland, including one who lost over $1.7 million.
Noman Saleem, 38, of Queens and Levittown, New York, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland.
According to the plea agreement, Saleem conspired to steal victims’ money by promoting himself as popular online crypto influencers, convincing several victims to send crypto to virtual wallets that he owned and controlled.
The victims invested with Saleem under the guise of a crypto staking or crypto investment opportunity with guaranteed returns. After Saleem took control of the victims’ crypto, he ceased communicating with them and disappeared with their crypto.
Crypto staking involves holding cryptocurrency holdings for a period of time to earn interest or rewards. Saleem advertised staking rewards through his Telegram channels, with terms of 30 to 90 days, and enticed potential investors with promises that the more crypto they invested, the greater the returns.
Saleem obtained at least $1,798,529 in U.S. currency through the scheme, which was seized by the government in the form of crypto and U.S. currency.
Noman Saleem is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. His sentencing is set for March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Related Federal Cases
- Richard Shusterman, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Maryland 2024 · New York
- Kevin B. Merrill, Wire Fraud, Maryland 2013 · New York
- Adetunji Gbadegeshi, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Erie PA, 2023 · Indiana
- Mohammad Shafiq, SNAP Benefits Fraud, Maryland 2024 · Massachusetts
- Mark Dennis, Bank and Wire Fraud Conspiracy, New York 2014 · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: Maryland
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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