Founder of AML Bitcoin Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison Amid $10 Million Fraud Case

Key Points

1. Rowland Marcus Andrade was convicted for wire fraud and money laundering related to the AML Bitcoin scam, deceiving investors with false claims about the cryptocurrency's technology and partnerships.

2. Andrade fabricated claims about AML Bitcoin's legitimacy, including false endorsements, and used $2 million of the fraud proceeds for personal luxury expenses.

3. The court will determine the exact restitution amount for victims on September 16, and Andrade will face compliance checks post-prison.

4. Political lobbyist Jack Abramoff was also penalized, ordered to pay $55,000 and barred from promoting fraudulent schemes after endorsing AML Bitcoin.

5. Prosecutors sought a 17.5-year sentence, but Andrade received seven years, highlighting the case's role in setting a precedent for future crypto fraud prosecutions.