- Chirag Tomar pleaded guilty to a wire fraud scheme that stole over $37 million, apprehended at Atlanta airport in December 2023.
- Tomar and accomplices used a fake Coinbase Pro website to obtain user credentials and access cryptocurrency accounts.
- Tomar faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with legal proceedings ongoing.
In June 2021, Tomar and his co-conspirators launched a sophisticated phishing scheme targeting users of Coinbase Pro, a professional cryptocurrency trading platform. They created a fake website that mimicked the legitimate Coinbase Pro platform, tricking users into entering their login credentials and two-factor authentication codes. This allowed the scammers to access the victims’ cryptocurrency accounts, resulting in significant financial losses. Tomar and his associates now face severe legal consequences for their actions.
Coinbase Pro Targeted by Phishing Scheme
Tomar, along with his co-conspirators, set up a sophisticated phishing scheme targeting users of Coinbase Pro, a professional cryptocurrency trading platform. The fraudulent website, designed to mirror the legitimate Coinbase Pro platform, was launched in June 2021 under the domain “coinbasepro.com”.
Mimicking Coinbase Pro
The fake site was meticulously crafted to deceive legitimate Coinbase users into entering their login credentials and two-factor authentication codes. These measures were crucial for the scammers to gain unauthorized access to the victims’ cryptocurrency accounts.
Execution of the Fraud
The fraudsters employed advanced social engineering tactics to execute their plan. Victims were often tricked into believing they encountered a login error on the fake website, prompting them to call a fake Coinbase representative. This representative, in turn, exploited the situation to gain remote access to the victims’ computers.
Coinbase Fraudsters Exploit Remote Desktop Software
Using remote desktop software, the fraudsters were able to control the victims’ computers and access their genuine Coinbase accounts. The DOJ’s announcement highlighted that these impostors posed as Coinbase customer service representatives, convincing users to divulge their two-factor authentication codes over the phone.
Impact on Victims
One notable case involved a North Carolina resident who lost $240,000 in digital assets to Tomar and his associates. The fraud extended across numerous victims, with hundreds of transactions funneled through several cryptocurrency wallets controlled by Tomar.
Conversion and Distribution of Stolen Funds
Once Tomar acquired the stolen cryptocurrency, he quickly converted it into various forms of cryptocurrency or transferred the funds between multiple wallets under his control. Eventually, the cryptocurrency was converted into cash, which was then distributed among Tomar and his co-conspirators.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Crime
The ill-gotten gains were used to support an extravagant lifestyle. Tomar indulged in luxury purchases, including Rolex watches, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and lavish trips to Dubai and Thailand.
Legal Consequences
Tomar now faces severe legal repercussions for his actions. He could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison and fined up to $250,000. The dates for the next hearings and sentencing are yet to be determined.
Conclusion
This case underscores the vulnerabilities in digital platforms and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. It also highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend cybercriminals. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, users must remain vigilant and adopt stringent security practices to safeguard their digital assets.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The article does not offer sufficient information to make investment decisions, nor does it constitute an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. The content is opinion of the author and does not reflect any view or suggestion or any kind of advise from CryptoNewsBytes.com. The author declares he does not hold any of the above mentioned tokens or received any incentive from any company.
