A federal judge in the Central District of California has sentenced Daren Li in absentia to 20 years in prison, the statutory maximum, for orchestrating a global cryptocurrency investment fraud and money-laundering operation.
The sentence was imposed despite Li’s absence from court, after authorities confirmed that he remains a fugitive following a high-profile escape while awaiting sentencing.
Case Details and Sentencing
Li admitted to laundering at least $73.6 million stolen from victims worldwide through a combination of “pig butchering” crypto scams and technical support fraud schemes. Prosecutors stated that approximately $59.8 millionof the illicit funds were funneled through U.S.-based shell companies, giving federal courts jurisdiction over the case.
In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner ordered three years of supervised release. The court deferred a final determination on restitution, which will be calculated at a later stage of the proceedings.
Fugitive After Guilty Plea
Li, a dual national of China and St. Kitts and Nevis, pleaded guilty in November 2024. However, in December 2025, he cut off his court-ordered electronic ankle monitor and fled, becoming an international fugitive just weeks before sentencing.
Federal authorities have not disclosed Li’s current location but confirmed that international partners are assisting in efforts to locate and extradite him.
Inside the Fraudulent Operation
According to court filings, Li and his co-conspirators operated an international scam syndicate based out of Cambodia, targeting victims across multiple continents. The operation relied on a range of coordinated deception tactics:
- Social engineering: Scammers built trust through fabricated romantic or professional relationships on social media and dating platforms.
- Fraudulent trading platforms: Victims were directed to deposit funds into spoofed cryptocurrency investment websites designed to mimic legitimate exchanges.
- Impersonation schemes: The group posed as technical support agents, convincing victims to wire money or transfer crypto to resolve fake computer or security issues.
Broader Investigation Ongoing
While eight co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty in connection with the case, the U.S. Department of Justicenoted that Li is the first individual sentenced among those responsible for receiving the stolen funds directly, placing him at the top of the laundering hierarchy.
Authorities emphasized that Li’s sentencing in absentia reflects a broader enforcement message: fleeing does not halt prosecution, nor does it reduce liability.
Federal agencies are continuing to coordinate internationally to locate Li and return him to the United States to serve his sentence.
