From $48M Theft to Repeat Scams
In 2022, a troubled Hamilton youth appeared in court and told a judge he was “very sorry” for stealing $48 million in cryptocurrency. At the time, he said he wanted to change and use his skills for good. His lawyer argued that he hoped to work in cybersecurity — a chance to bring his story full circle.
The judge sentenced him to probation, considering his age of 17 at the time of the crime and the year he had already spent in custody. He was banned from handling crypto during probation, a rule that seemed minor but was meant to cut him off from his past crimes.
Yet, prosecutors now say that while he was telling the court he had changed, he was secretly planning another crypto scam. By July 2025, the young man once again stood before a judge — this time in Virginia, U.S. He was sentenced to one year in prison for a string of NFT and social media scams.
Psst… here’s a pro tip! Cybercriminals often reuse old tricks. If a scam worked once, they’ll try it again — but with new targets.
The Rise of the NFT Heist
The new case involved hacks of high-profile Twitter (now X) accounts linked to the NFT community. One of the victims was Beeple, the digital artist who made headlines in 2021 by selling a $69 million NFT.
After taking over Beeple’s account, the Hamilton teen and his partners posted fake raffle links. The scam told users to send one ether for a chance to win luxury NFTs. Instead, victims were tricked into connecting their wallets to a fraudulent site, exposing all their funds.
The scam raised about $800,000. Court files revealed that at least 80 victims lost money or digital assets.
Heist Timeline
| Year | Crime | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $48M SIM-swap crypto theft | Biggest theft from an individual |
| 2022 | NFT Twitter hack (Beeple + others) | $800K stolen |
| 2025 | Sentenced in U.S. | 1 year in prison |
SIM-Swap to Social Engineering
His first $48M theft used a SIM swap attack, where phone carriers are tricked into giving control of a number to scammers. With that number, the teen gained access to crypto wallets and drained millions.
But after being exposed, he shifted to social engineering scams. Using insider access to Twitter’s support tools, he could reset passwords of famous NFT accounts. He later sold that access to other young scammers for 230 ETH, worth over $280,000 at the time.
Prosecutors said he acted as both a “mentor” and manipulator of younger hackers, guiding them through scams but often betraying them for bigger cuts of stolen funds.
A Troubled Past, A Risky Future
Defense lawyers described him as a young man shaped by trauma. His parents split early, and he faced neglect, bullying, and isolation. A psychological report said he was vulnerable to influence and poor choices.
But prosecutors painted him as highly skilled in manipulation and deception. They said he specialized in social engineering — convincing others to hand over access rather than hacking directly.
He was eventually betrayed by partners who cooperated with the FBI. Arrested in December 2024, he was extradited to the U.S. and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.
Bigger Lessons for Crypto
The case shows the growing risks in the crypto industry, now valued at over $4 trillion. According to Chainalysis, nearly $3 billion worth of crypto has already been stolen in 2025, putting the year on track for a record in hacks and scams.
Experts warn that as long as valuable digital assets can be moved instantly, new cybercriminals will continue to emerge. For many, like the Hamilton youth, early exposure to hacking leads to careers in online fraud rather than legitimate cybersecurity.
When he returns to Canada, he may face new charges for breaking his probation from the $48M theft. His story highlights both the promise and the danger of the digital world: fortunes can be made, but trust is fragile, and crime often leads back to court.
