Canadian Tremendously Sorry Over Spending Stolen Crypto on Lamborghini, BMWs, Jewelry: CBC Accessibility
A scheme that began young
Johnston’s lawyer said in a court filing that the scheme began in January 2024, when he was 17. He moved to the Miami area later that year, after crossing from Fort Erie, Ont., into Buffalo, N.Y., in October at age 18.
Johnston overstayed his 12-month U.S. tourist visa. Prosecutors said he spent money on an extravagant nightlife and entertainment lifestyle, and a witness told investigators he demonstrated the thefts by sharing his screen on Discord. In text messages cited in a criminal complaint, Johnston told an accomplice they had hit a 185-bitcoin target and said the club felt good afterward.
Arrest and returned crypto
Johnston was arrested in March while sitting in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan in North Miami. Court documents said the vehicle smelled of freshly burned marijuana, and authorities found suspected amphetamine tablets in a Hermes bag.
His lawyer, Brooke C. Watson, said Johnston turned over all stolen cryptocurrency in his possession after his arrest: about US$3.8 million in bitcoin and ether. Johnston has remained in custody since the arrest.
Plea deal and remaining case
Johnston was sentenced to time served and has agreed to a removal order issued by a U.S. immigration judge in April. He still faces a Florida state drug possession charge tied to the pills found during his arrest.
Key points
- Johnston’s lawyer said the scheme began in January 2024, when he was 17.
- He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering under a deal that dropped a wire fraud charge.
- His lawyer said he returned about US$3.8 million in bitcoin and ether.
- Johnston was sentenced to time served but still faces a Florida drug possession charge.