Fake "crypto influencer" VIP channels (Noman Saleem case)

A New York man was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison in June 2026 for running fake versions of two well-known crypto influencers' Telegram accounts. The public channel drew thousands of followers; access to the "VIP" channel, where members believed they were speaking with the influencer directly, cost roughly $500-$600 in crypto. Subscribers were offered staking returns over 30- to 90-day terms, with bigger deposits promised bigger payouts. No staking ever took place. He obtained at least $1.4 million before pleading guilty to wire fraud in September 2025. As of August 2026, this is the pattern to recognise: a paid tier whose entire value proposition is direct access to a person who is not who they claim to be.