“Bitcoin Rodney” Pleads Guilty in $1.8 Billion HyperFund Crypto Fraud Case

One of the most recognizable promoters of the infamous HyperFund crypto scheme has officially admitted his role in one of the largest cryptocy fraud cases in recent history. Rodney Burton, better known online as “Bitcoin Rodney,” pleaded guilty to federal charges connected to a global cryptocy investment scheme that prosecutors say defrauded investors of approximately $1.8 billion worldwide. 

The guilty plea marks a major development in the government’s ongoing crackdown on HyperFund, a platform that promised extraordinary returns from cryptocy investments but was ultimately exposed as a massive fraud operation. Burton was one of the scheme’s most visible promoters, using social media, conferences, and investor events to attract participants from around the world. 

HyperFund Promised Wealth Through Crypto

HyperFund marketed itself as a cryptocy investment platform that claimed to generate profits through large-scale crypto mining operations and other blockchain-related activities. Investors were told they could earn daily returns ranging from 0.5% to 1%, with the potential to double or triple their money over time. 

According to federal prosecutors, those claims were false. Authorities allege the company had no legitimate mining operation capable of generating the advertised returns and instead relied heavily on funds from new investors to pay earlier participants. The Department of Justice has described HyperFund as a global wire-fraud scheme that collected approximately $1.8 billion from victims worldwide. The platform eventually collapsed as withdrawals became increasingly restricted and investors found themselves unable to access their funds. 

Bitcoin Rodney Was One of HyperFund’s Top Promoters

Burton became one of the most recognizable faces associated with HyperFund in the United States. Known for showcasing a lavish lifestyle on social media, he frequently appeared at cryptocy events and online webinars promoting the platform’s investment opportunities. 

Federal prosecutors allege Burton helped facilitate the movement of investor funds while actively recruiting new participants into the scheme. Court documents indicate that he received at least $7.85 million for his role in promoting HyperFund and related activities.  His guilty plea was entered on charges related to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, a key component of the government’s broader case against HyperFund organizers and promoters. 

The HyperFund Investigation Continues

The HyperFund case has already resulted in multiple criminal and civil enforcement actions. Co-promoter Brenda Chunga, known online as “Bitcoin Beautee,” previously pleaded guilty for her role in the scheme, while alleged HyperFund co-founder Sam Lee remains a central target of ongoing legal proceedings. 

In December 2025, prosecutors expanded the case against Burton through a superseding indictment that added wire fraud and money laundering allegations. Those charges carried the possibility of decades in prison before the guilty plea agreement was reached.  Authorities have described HyperFund as one of the largest crypto-related fraud schemes ever prosecuted by the U.S. government. 

Regulators Continue Targeting Crypto Fraud

The case arrives as regulators continue increasing enforcement efforts against fraudulent cryptocy investment schemes. Federal agencies including the Department of Justice, SEC, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations have expanded cooperation in pursuing crypto-related fraud, money laundering, and unregistered investment offerings. 

While institutional adoption of digital assets continues accelerating through tokenization, stablecoins, and Bitcoin ETFs, regulators remain focused on eliminating bad actors that use cryptocy as a vehicle for fraud.