FBI recovers more than $8m for victims of Kansas bank crypto scheme

As a seasoned researcher with a keen interest in financial crimes and their subsequent legal resolutions, I find myself both intrigued and heartened by this case involving the Kansas bank CEO, Shan Hanes. The recovery of $8.3 million stolen from 30 investors is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies like the FBI, who left no stone unturned in tracking down these funds held in a cryptocurrency account in the Cayman Islands.


Law enforcement agencies managed to retrieve approximately $8.3 million that had been stolen from investors in a cryptocurrency fraud incident, which involved the CEO of a Kansas-based bank.

Based on an Associated Press report, the Federal Bureau of Investigation successfully retrieved a sum of approximately $8.3 million from a Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency account located in the Cayman Islands. This money was originally invested by 30 shareholders, including individuals who were closely associated with the now-convicted CEO.

Previously serving as CEO at Heartland Tri-State Bank, Shan Hanes was given a prison term of 24 years and 1 month following his conviction for misappropriating approximately $47.1 million through a cryptocurrency scam, which ultimately brought about the bank’s downfall.

Luckily, the $47.1 million in funds were safeguarded under Federal Deposit Insurance, ensuring that the losses suffered by the affected parties were compensated. Regrettably, the intricate scheme masterminded by Hanes ultimately resulted in the downfall of Heartland Tri-State Bank, leading to a $9 million loss for its investors.

On November 4th, the FBI successfully retrieved approximately $8.3 million linked to the fraud case, which they later distributed as compensation to the affected victims.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Kate E. Brubacher expressed that Hanes’ conviction and imprisonment brought justice to the victims, and with this recent court order, these victims will also gain some monetary compensation.

As per court documents, it was revealed that the fraudulent activity took place during the summer of 2023. Hanes made withdrawals amounting to $47.1 million from client accounts through 11 wire transfers within an eight-week period. He believed this money was essential for wrapping up investments and cashing out on a cryptocurrency website, according to court documents.

Authorities alleged that Hanes unknowingly fell for an illegal scheme, commonly known as “pig slaughtering.” In this deception, an individual persuades the victim to put all their savings into cryptocurrencies, only for the funds to subsequently disappear.

In late 2022, Hanes is reported to have purchased approximately $5,000 worth of cryptocurrency, following the guidance he received from someone he conversed with on WhatsApp. Unfortunately, a few months later, he misused funds from his church and investment club, ultimately diverting money from customer accounts. This unscrupulous act eventually led to Heartland Tri-State Bank suffering financial collapse.

Back in August 2024, Hanes received a prison sentence exceeding 24 years due to stealing over $47.1 million from client savings.

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2024-11-05 10:56