Federal officials alleged that John Khuu sold fake drugs for cryptocurrency, making over $5 million in the process.Read MoreCoinDesk
U.S. officials charged California resident John Khuu with conspiracy to commit money laundering and the unlawful importation of a controlled substance on Friday, alleging he sold counterfeit drugs for bitcoin.
Khuu was arrested in August 2022, after grand juries in Texas and California returned the indictments in May and August, respectively, a press release said.
According to one of the indictments, Khuu allegedly created vendor accounts on different darkweb marketplaces to sell the fake pills and other controlled substances beginning in January 2020. Customers “usually” used bitcoin (BTC) to purchase these drugs, though the indictment suggested other cryptocurrencies may also have been used.
Khuu also allegedly used a network of financial institutions to launder the funds, including Bank of America, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. The indictment alleged he created a number of fake accounts at these banks.
The indictment went on to describe several transactions Khuu allegedly conducted as part of his efforts to convert bitcoin into cash. All told, he allegedly conducted just under 500 transactions tied to the sale of about 620 BTC.
Khuu waived his right to a detention hearing, according to another court filing released on Oct. 6.
DISCLOSURE
Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.
The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.
Bitcoin’s sharp weekend drop triggered fresh liquidations, with analyst Eric Crown warning the market may…
Months after the Oct. 10 liquidation cascade, market depth has yet to recover, and traders…
Society is experiencing a shift toward gambles that offer rapid feedback and immediate stimulation over…
Strategy’s ability to fund a large bitcoin purchase appears limited after a weak performance for…
This surge in demand for lower-strike puts contrasts with the post-Trump-election pattern of enthusiasm for…
The Bitcoin market experienced a shockingly dramatic weekend, as opposed to the typical silent price…