The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on July 29 that Rowland Marcus Andrade, founder and CEO of the cryptocurrency AML Bitcoin, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison following his conviction on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The verdict, delivered by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg, follows a five-week trial earlier this year in which Andrade, 47, was found to have deliberately misled investors through a series of false claims about the development, utility, and market readiness of his digital currency project. His sentencing also includes three years of supervised release, with a future hearing set for Sept. 16 to determine restitution and forfeiture amounts.

Testimony and documents presented during the proceedings detailed how Andrade propagated exaggerated narratives about AML Bitcoin’s functionality and partnerships, including a fabricated assertion that the Panama Canal Authority was preparing to adopt the cryptocurrency. No such agreement existed. Prosecutors explained that these fabrications were used to lure millions in investor funds.

“Court documents and evidence presented at trial established that Andrade defrauded cryptocurrency investors out of approximately $10 million,” the DOJ summarized, adding:

Andrade diverted more than $2 million in proceeds from the sale of AML Bitcoin and spent it on personal expenses, including the purchase of two properties in Texas and two luxury automobiles.

“The jury also found that Andrade laundered investor funds through a series of bank accounts and then used the funds for his personal expenses and the purchase of the properties and automobiles,” the Justice Department noted.

Federal officials who led the investigation underscored the importance of the conviction in maintaining trust in financial markets. U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian stated:

The defendant made one false claim after another about a sophisticated cryptocurrency offering to create the illusion of a legitimate business. He exploited numerous investors who put their trust in him, not knowing that their hard-earned money was in fact funding his lavish lifestyle.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani said: “Rowland Marcus Andrade promised innovation but delivered deception. He misled innocent people who believed they were investing in the future of digital currency. Instead, their money was used to fund his personal luxury.” IRS-CI Special Agent Linda Nguyen emphasized the broader message: “Today’s sentencing of Rowland Marcus Andrade is another definitive statement about how white-collar crime does not pay. Mr. Andrade enriched himself by misrepresenting cryptocurrency technological advances he never delivered upon.”

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