Rodney Burton, widely known online as “Bitcoin Rodney,” pleaded guilty on June 16, 2026, to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business for his role promoting the $1.8 billion HyperFund cryptocurrency fraud scheme. The Miami-based influencer entered the plea in federal court in Baltimore, admitting he helped promote and facilitate transactions for the scheme between June 2020 and January 2022.
HyperFund lured investors worldwide with promises of 0.5% to 1% daily returns through supposed cryptocurrency mining operations. Prosecutors say the platform was a Ponzi scheme with no legitimate mining infrastructure. It ultimately raised around $1.8 billion before blocking withdrawals and collapsing. Burton earned more than $7.8 million through companies that functioned as unlicensed money transmitters while touting the investment to his large following.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes, along with IRS and Homeland Security Investigations officials, announced the plea. Burton faces up to five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 23 before U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett.
The case highlights the risks associated with high-profile crypto promoters who endorse investment products without proper due diligence or licensing. HyperFund, also known by names including HyperVerse and HyperNation, attracted tens of thousands of victims globally with slick marketing and unrealistic return promises.
Burton’s guilty plea marks a significant development in one of the largest crypto fraud cases in recent years. It serves as a reminder to retail investors about the dangers of influencer-driven opportunities in unregulated digital assets. Federal authorities continue to pursue other individuals connected to the scheme as enforcement actions against crypto-related fraud intensify.