Alleged Ringleader In $240 Million Bitcoin Theft Sets Plea Hearing
Alleged ringleader Lam is scheduled for a plea agreement hearing this week in federal court in Washington, D.C., in a case prosecutors say involved the theft of more than $240 million in Bitcoin.[1]
Prosecutors allege Lam and co-conspirators stole more than 4,100 Bitcoin in August 2024 through a social-engineering scam that impersonated Google and Gemini representatives to obtain Google Drive access and security codes from the victim.[1] Authorities say the conspirators spent millions on luxury cars, a $2 million watch, private jets and about $4 million at Los Angeles nightclubs in roughly one month.[1]
In August 2024, prosecutors say the conspirators posed as Google and Gemini representatives to trick a victim into granting access to a Google Drive and into providing security codes.[1] Eighteen defendants were charged in the scheme, and ten have already pleaded guilty.[1] Lam and alleged co-conspirator Jeandiel Serrano were arrested on September 18, 2024, in Miami and at Los Angeles International Airport.[1]
The scheduled hearing will determine whether Lam formally enters a plea agreement and could shape how prosecutors pursue the remaining defendants.
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📌 Key Facts
- Lam’s plea agreement hearing is scheduled in federal court in Washington, D.C., during the week of September 7, 2026.
- Prosecutors allege Lam and others stole more than 4,100 Bitcoin, then worth over $240 million, in August 2024 via a social-engineering scam.
- The conspirators allegedly posed as Google and Gemini representatives to obtain Google Drive access and security codes from the victim.
- Authorities say Lam and associates spent millions on luxury cars, a $2 million watch, private jets, and about $4 million at Los Angeles nightclubs in roughly one month.
- Eighteen defendants have been charged, with ten already pleading guilty; Lam and co-conspirator Jeandiel Serrano were arrested on September 18, 2024, in Miami and at Los Angeles International Airport.
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