Crypto promoter Bitcoin Rodney pleaded guilty in the $1.8 billion HyperFund fraud case after earning nearly $7.9 million from the crypto ponzi scheme.
A Miami-based crypto promoter known as Bitcoin Rodney has pleaded guilty in connection with the massive HyperFund crypto ponzi scheme case. Rodney Burton confessed to running an unlicensed money-transmitting enterprise while marketing HyperFund, which U.S. prosecutors claim brought in approximately $1.8 billion from investors around the globe.
The plea is a significant step in one of the biggest cryptocurrency fraud cases in recent years. Burton is now facing a maximum of 5 years in prison. He is set to be sentenced on July 23.
How Did the HyperFund Crypto Scheme Work?
HyperFund was founded in 2020 and offered investors unparalleled returns. The platform promised that users could earn between 0.5% and 1% per day from large-scale cryptocurrency mining operations.
"Bitcoin Rodney" just pled guilty over a $1.8B crypto Ponzi
A Miami promoter has admitted his role in one of crypto's biggest scams. Rodney "Bitcoin Rodney" Burton pled guilty to running an unlicensed money-transmitting business while promoting HyperFund, a scheme the DOJ says… pic.twitter.com/53HbGfqklx
— BSCN (@BSCNews) June 18, 2026
According to prosecutors, those mining operations never existed. The company, however, relied on investors’ money to sustain the scheme and to lure new investors from all over the world.
HyperFund was known by various names such as HyperTech, HyperCapital, and HyperVerse. The project marketed itself as a lucrative crypto investment opportunity and gained thousands of investors.
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As the platform grew, promoters promoted new users to join. Later, authorities said the scheme was a Ponzi-style fraud.
The company guaranteed that investors would double, even triple, their investments over time. By 2021, however, many users started to experience withdrawal issues. Eventually, the platform ceased to permit investors to withdraw their money. The scheme went under in full in 2022, resulting in substantial losses for many investors.
What Role Did Bitcoin Rodney Play?
Rodney Burton was one of the most prominent advocates of HyperFund. He was involved in marketing and recruiting new investors to the platform from June 2020 until January 2022, according to prosecutors.
Burton personally made at least $7.85 million from his involvement in the operation, authorities said. Prosecutors alleged that he used some of those funds to purchase luxury properties, sports cars, and a yacht.
In 2021, Burton also hosted a significant cryptocurrency conference in Miami. The event was attended by several celebrities, including Jamie Foxx, Rick Ross, Jordan Belfort, Akon, and Tiffany Haddish.
The celebrity appearances garnered attention, but the individuals were not charged with being involved in the fraud. The event did, however, help to raise public awareness of the project.
Burton was arrested by federal authorities after an incident at Miami International Airport in January 2024. Investigators said he was carrying a one-way ticket to Dubai when agents detained him.
Later, a judge called Burton a “big flight risk” and ordered him to stay in custody as the case proceeded.
What Happens Next in the HyperFund Investigation?
The guilty plea by Burton is just one aspect of an overall investigation. Authorities are still actively seeking other people involved with HyperFund.
Brenda Chunga, also known as Bitcoin Beautee, is another promoter who has previously pleaded guilty and has been cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice.
HyperFund’s co-founder Sam Lee faces charges of securities fraud and wire fraud, meanwhile. Prosecutors say he was a key player in the scheme. It is reported that Lee is currently living in Dubai.
The regulators are still urging investors to be wary of platforms that promise unusually high profits with little transparency. The HyperFund failure is yet another example of the dangers of quick money.
The case is one of the largest crypto fraud prosecutions in recent years, with Burton’s sentencing scheduled for July 23. Investigators will continue to pursue persons involved in the $1.8 billion scheme.
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