Catenaa, Saturday, December 20, 2025-Rodney Burton, 56, known online as “Bitcoin Rodney,” faces expanded federal charges related to the alleged $1.8 billion HyperFund cryptocurrency scheme, US prosecutors said.
The superseding indictment accuses Burton of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, seven counts of money laundering, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.
If convicted on all counts, Burton could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, up to 10 years per money laundering count, and an additional five years for unlicensed money transmission.
He has remained in custody since January 2024 after being denied bail as a flight risk.
The indictment covers activities from June 2020 through May 2024. Prosecutors allege HyperFund, also called HyperVerse, promised daily returns between 0.5% and 1%, falsely attributed to nonexistent cryptocurrency mining operations.
Investor withdrawals were eventually blocked, and Burton allegedly used funds to purchase luxury properties, high-end vehicles, and a yacht.
His trial is scheduled for March 2026.
Burton gained prominence in crypto circles through high-profile events and celebrity appearances, including hosting a 2021 Miami event with “Shark Tank” investor Daymond John and musician Akon, and public appearances with Jamie Foxx and Rick Ross.
He has claimed he believed HyperFund was legitimate and blamed co-founder Xue “Sam” Lee for the alleged scheme.
Co-promoter Brenda “Bitcoin Beautee” Chunga pleaded guilty in earlier SEC charges, while Lee remains at large. Burton’s case highlights ongoing scrutiny of cryptocurrency promoters and the risks associated with unregulated investment platforms.
