Overview

• The Lakewood victim met the contact online during marital trouble and was groomed with photos, live video and investment pitches tied to cryptocurrency.
• Over roughly six weeks he made four transfers, first into legitimate apps and then into a fake platform controlled by scammers, emptying his retirement savings.
• When he attempted to withdraw, he received a demand for an additional $400,000 to access the balance.
• CBI’s Economic Crimes Unit, represented by Special Agent Zeb Smeester, is investigating and has tracked the funds on‑chain to cold wallets with no identifying information.
• Investigators say many operators are overseas and urge swift reporting to local police and the FBI’s IC3, warning of red flags such as secrecy, pressure to send money quickly and requests to move funds off reputable platforms.