Rowland Marcus Andrade, the founder of the cryptocurrency AML Bitcoin, has been sentenced to seven years (84 months) in federal prison for orchestrating a multi-million dollar crypto fraud and money laundering scheme. This sentence follows his conviction earlier this year on charges of wire fraud and money laundering related to the fraudulent marketing and sale of AML Bitcoin, which defrauded investors of approximately $10 million over a period spanning from 2014 to 2019.
Background and Conviction
A federal jury in California convicted Andrade in March 2025 after a five-week trial that revealed extensive deceptive practices employed to lure unsuspecting cryptocurrency investors. Andrade created AML Bitcoin and promoted it as a sophisticated anti-money laundering cryptocurrency with cutting-edge technology and lucrative business partnerships. Among the false claims was that the Panama Canal Authority had agreed to allow AML Bitcoin to be used for paying fees by ships passing through the Panama Canal; this deal was entirely fabricated and never existed.
The trial evidence showed Andrade systematically misrepresented the development status and commercial potential of AML Bitcoin, knowingly deceiving investors to generate sales of the cryptocurrency token. Prosecutors established that Andrade diverted more than $2 million of investor funds from the total raised to pay for personal luxury expenses, including the purchase of two properties in Texas and several high-end automobiles. He concealed these transactions through a complex layering of bank accounts and digital wallets to launder the money and obscure its origins.
Sentencing Details
Judge Richard Seeborg of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California handed down the sentence on July 29, 2025. He described Andrade’s scheme as “sophisticated” and “serious criminal conduct,” emphasizing the impact of the fraud on numerous investors.
- Andrade’s seven-year prison term is notably less than the 17 and a half years requested by federal prosecutors but significantly more than the two years sought by Andrade’s defense team.
- He will begin serving his sentence on October 31, 2025.
- Following incarceration, Andrade will be subject to three years of supervised release, during which he must comply with conditions such as regular police check-ins.
- A court hearing for forfeiture of assets and victim restitution is scheduled for September 16, 2025. Andrade must forfeit ill-gotten property which will be used to compensate defrauded investors.
Legal and Regulatory Impact
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission have made this case a high-profile example in their ongoing efforts to crack down on cryptocurrency-related financial crimes. Andrade’s conviction demonstrates the authorities’ growing capability to trace blockchain-based schemes despite their pseudonymous, decentralized nature. Forensic analysis of blockchain transaction data combined with traditional law enforcement investigation helped expose the complex fraud operation.
U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian condemned Andrade’s actions, stating: “The defendant made one false claim after another about a sophisticated cryptocurrency offering to create the illusion of a legitimate business. He exploited numerous investors who put their trust in him, not knowing their money was funding his lavish lifestyle. Today, Andrade learned the price of his greed.”
The case also highlights the increasing importance of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations within the crypto sector. Experts stress that firms failing to implement robust AML controls face severe legal consequences, reputational damage, and operational setbacks. This sentencing underscores the message that AML laws in cryptocurrency markets are mandatory, not optional.
Related Persons and Developments
Interestingly, political lobbyist and convicted felon Jack Abramoff was ordered to pay $55,000 in disgorgement for promoting AML Bitcoin in 2020 and was permanently barred from securities offerings. Abramoff has a criminal record related to fraud, tax evasion, and bribery in other unrelated scandals involving Native American tribes.
Investigations were led by the FBI and IRS, with prosecution overseen by the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.
Victim Support and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI has sought to identify all victims of Andrade’s schemes through official channels to facilitate restitution processes. Victims of AML Bitcoin, the National Aten Coin Foundation (NAC Foundation, Andrade’s company), and other related products were encouraged to come forward by a set deadline to assist the ongoing federal investigation.
SEO Optimized Summary Points:
- AML Bitcoin founder Rowland Marcus Andrade sentenced to 7 years in prison for multi-million dollar crypto fraud and money laundering.
- Andrade defrauded investors of around $10 million by marketing a fake cryptocurrency and false business partnerships.
- He used over $2 million in investor funds for personal luxuries including Texas properties and luxury cars.
- The case highlights the importance of AML compliance in the cryptocurrency industry.
- Andrade’s sentence begins October 31, 2025, followed by 3 years supervised release, and includes asset forfeiture hearings.
- Political lobbyist Jack Abramoff was also penalized for promoting AML Bitcoin.
- This conviction marks a significant win for U.S. regulators and enforcement agencies against crypto fraud.
This landmark ruling serves as a stern warning to cryptocurrency entrepreneurs and investors alike about the serious legal and financial consequences of fraudulent practices in the digital asset space. It also reflects regulatory expectations for transparent, law-abiding operations within the evolving cryptocurrency market.
If you were affected by AML Bitcoin or Rowland Marcus Andrade’s schemes, authorities encourage you to contact relevant victim support services as outlined by the FBI and DOJ.
This report maintains neutrality and focuses on verified facts and official statements released as of July 2025. Further updates may follow after the September forfeiture and restitution hearing.