Indian National Sentenced for $20 Million Coinbase Scam

The cryptocurrency industry has faced its share of scams and cyberattacks, causing some potential investors to approach it with caution.

Law enforcement agencies worldwide are intensifying their efforts to combat fraud within this sector. A recent case highlights this crackdown: an Indian man has been sentenced for his role in a cryptocurrency scam.

Chirag Tomar received a five-year prison sentence for defrauding numerous victims out of more than $20 million through a counterfeit website that imitated the well-known cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. The U.S. Department of Justice reported that, in addition to his prison term, Tomar will undergo two years of supervised release.

The fraudulent operation involved a spoofed version of Coinbase Pro, using the fake URL “CoinbasePro.Com” to deceive users into believing they were on the legitimate site.

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Tomar was apprehended last December upon arriving in the United States and later pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy charges in May 2024. He remains in federal custody until he is transferred to a designated prison facility.

Proceeds from the scam were reportedly used to fund a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of luxury cars and high-end watches, as well as extravagant vacations to destinations like Thailand and Dubai.

Alexander Stefanov