Crypto scam suspect extradited to US in $36.9m case involving 174 victims

A Chinese national has been extradited from the Netherlands to Los Angeles over an alleged Cambodia-based crypto investment scam that targeted 174 identified Americans and moved more than $36.9 million through a Bahamas bank account. Summary Zheng Zhao was extradited from the Netherlands over an alleged crypto scam targeting 174 Americans. Prosecutors allege more than $36.9 million passed through a Bahamas bank before conversion into USDT. Zhao faces a money-laundering conspiracy charge carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years if convicted. Eight co-conspirators have pleaded guilty, with two receiving prison sentences of 51 and 46 months. The U.S. Department of Justice said on Oct. 23 that Zheng Zhao, 44, had appeared in federal court after his extradition. The Los Angeles U.S. Attorney’s Office said he was ordered detained and scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 30. In its national announcement, the department said Zhao was charged in August 2025 with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors said a conviction could carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Zhao remains presumed innocent. The charge concerns his alleged participation in the movement of victim f...