Former Bank Exec Gets 24 Years In Prison After Stealing $47M For A Crypto Fraud To 'Unlock' Returns In A 'Pig Butchering' Scam

Ananya Gairola

August 24, 2024

Former bank CEO from Kansas, Shan Hanes, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for his involvement in a $47.1 million crypto scam related to pig butchering.

What Happened: Hanes, the former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, was convicted of embezzlement. He diverted the bank’s funds into crypto accounts controlled by scammers, leading to the bank’s collapse, reported NBC News.

Hanes was caught up in a pig butchering scam, where he purchased crypto to allegedly unlock returns on his investments, which he never received.

See Also: Amid Heated Trump-Harris Battle, Crypto Industry Pours ‘Unprecedented’ $119M Into 2024 Elections – Here Are The Biggest Donors

Between May and June 2023, Hanes made 11 wire transfers using the stolen bank funds. He also embezzled money from a local church, an investment club, and his daughter’s college savings account.

The Heartland Tri-State Bank, insured by the FDIC, was one of the five banks to close in 2023.

US Attorney Kate E. Brubacher commented, “Hanes’ greed knew no bounds. He trespassed his professional obligations, his personal relationships, and federal law.”

"Not only did Shan Hanes betray Heartland Bank and its investors, but his illegal schemes also jeopardized confidence in financial institutions," Brubacher said.

Why It Matters: Pig butchering scams have seen a significant rise in recent years, with victims worldwide losing over $75 billion, reported Time in February, citing a study.

These scams typically involve the scammer forming a relationship with the victim, often romantic, before enticing them into making a series of crypto investments.

The sentencing of Hanes comes amidst a surge in crypto scams. Earlier in August, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed charges against NovaTech Ltd. for defrauding over 200,000 investors worldwide of more than $650 million in crypto assets.

Previously, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also issued an alert on the rising trend of scammers impersonating cryptocurrency exchange employees to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Read Next:

Bitcoin Breaks $61,000, Ethereum, Dogecoin Follow Up, As Kamala Harris Reportedly ‘Supports Policies To Expand Crypto Industry’

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo courtesy: Open Clipart

Recommended

Do Not Day Trade (Do This Instead) - Ad

Why Are These Strange "Accidents" Happening All Over America? - Ad

The "Amazon Coin" -- To Be Bigger Than Bitcoin? - Ad

Movies about Kamala Harris and Donald Trump hit theaters in October. Find out the differences between the movie and why one candidate wants a ban.

Scaramucci Says Melania Trump Would Prefer Kamala Harris To Donald Trump As President

Anthony Scaramucci has claimed that Melania Trump would rather see Kamala Harris win the presidency than her own husband.

Oil = Monthly Income

Oil = Monthly Income - Ad

Right now, there's an unusual $25 way to collect MONTHLY income from the oil markets. It's not a stock, bond, or anything you've likely heard about... But it's by far my #1 investment opportunity for 2024.

Mother Sells Taylor Swift Tickets Over Star's Endorsement Of Kamala Harris: 'I'm Gonna Shake It Off, And I'm Done With You'

A mother has chosen to sell the Taylor Swift concert tickets she had bought as a birthday present for her daughter in response to the pop star's recent endorsement of Kamala Harris.

Psychedelic Church Opens In Colorado Springs, CO Making History

Meet Colorado's first psychedelic church in Colorado Springs, where magic mushrooms and DMT are used for healing and creating community.

Imminent FDA Decision Could End Obesity in America...

Imminent FDA Decision Could End Obesity in America... - Ad

...and spark a 224,000% sales surge for one tiny micro-cap stock. Channelnomics says it "Could have a greater impact on the world than artificial intelligence." BMO Capital calls it "A goldmine for investors." The Wall Street Journal says it's "A Gold rush."

Nvidia, Intel And Other Top Chipmakers Grapple With Gender Disparity Despite AI Surge: Report

Despite women constituting the majority of undergraduate and advanced degree holders, they account for less than 23% of engineering and computer science graduates.

Campbell wants to say goodbye to the 'soup' in its name. It isn't the first to make such a change

NEW YORK (AP) — Campbell is ready to drop the soup — at least from its official name.

2024 Oil Boom

2024 Oil Boom - Ad

There is a much better way to profit from oil in 2024. It's NOT oil stocks, futures, or anything you've likely heard about. In fact, one man used it build a small $1,000 investment into a $100,000 income stream over fifty years.

E. Jean Carroll Case: Appeals Court Skeptical of Trump's Bid to Overturn Sexual Abuse Verdict

E. Jean Carroll's case sees an appeals court skeptical of Donald Trump's bid to overturn a $5 million verdict for sexual abuse and defamation.

Scaramucci: Trump Wins Billionaires' Support Despite Coming Off As 'Raging Lunatic,' Harris Backs A 'Ridiculously Stupid Idea'

Trump is someone who can't keep to his messaging and his rival Kamala Harris can gain an upper hand by going on offensive, says Scaramucci.

This Is How the AI Bull Market Ends

This Is How the AI Bull Market Ends - Ad

The AI bull market as we know it right now will end...And all the big popular AI stocks investors are piling into right now will NOT be the where the biggest returns will come from. And for investors who don't know how the market is changing and where it's going...They could end up left behind.

SEC Charges Galois Capital With Custody Rule Violations, Misleading Investors

SEC charges Florida-based firm Galois Capital for violating the Custody Rule and misleading investors about crypto assets.

Apple Reportedly Plans To Switch To OLED For All iPhones Starting 2025, Not Just The Top-Tier Flagships

Apple plans to transition all iPhone models, including the lower-priced iPhone SE, to OLED displays by 2025, phasing out LCDs and excluding Japanese suppliers like Japan Display and Sharp from its handset business.

A 10,000% Dividend?!?

A 10,000% Dividend?!? - Ad

Have you seen this strange oil investment? It's NOT a stock, bond, or private company...It has NO age requirements...You do NOT need to be accredited to participate... And you can get in for as little as $25.

Young girls are using anti-aging products they see on social media. The harm is more than skin deep

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — When she was in fifth grade, Scarlett Goddard Strahan started to worry about getting wrinkles.

Maryland awards contract for Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild after deadly collapse

BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland transportation leaders on Thursday approved a contract for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge several months after the 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) steel span of a massive container ship that lost power and crashed into one of its supporting columns.

New "Living Missile" to Replace Nuclear Missiles

New "Living Missile" to Replace Nuclear Missiles - Ad

CBS News Reports: "It's an entirely new type of weapon." The New York Times Reports: "No existing defense can stop it." And one small company is building them for the Pentagon!

Social media is filled with skin care routines for girls. Here's what dermatologists recommend

Girls are with advice from influencers touting elaborate skin care routines with high-priced serums, mists and creams. But what is the right skin care routine for preteens?

Former Deputy Claims Harris Helped Close Backpage, Fallout Affects Sex Workers

In the midst of the 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris finds herself under the microscope for her involvement in the closure of Backpage.com, a well-known online platform for adult services, during her time as the Attorney General of California.

Analysts Are Projecting "Safe-Haven" Stock Will Nearly Double

Analysts Are Projecting "Safe-Haven" Stock Will Nearly Double - Ad

Already up nearly 50% in the last 6 months this gold company has an analyst target nearly twice its current price. With 40+ investment banks and funds already invested it's no wonder this $1.3B company (trading under $2) is grabbing investor attention.

Stalled In Bureaucratic Limbo, This German City Struggles With Illegal Cannabis As Demand Surges

The slow response is largely due to complex bureaucratic requirements. Applicants must provide extensive documentation.

GameStop Shares Are Trading Higher: This Week In Review

GameStop Corporation (NYSE: GME) shares are up Friday. Here's what you need to know.

Man Who Called Nvidia at $1.10 Says Buy This Now...

Man Who Called Nvidia at $1.10 Says Buy This Now... - Ad

In 2004, a man predicted Nvidia's rise. Now, he says a new company, which IPO'd in 2023, could soar like Nvidia. It signed a major deal with Apple for its AI tech in iPhones and iMacs. Could it be the next trillion-dollar company? See why he believes it's among "The Next Magnificent Seven."

Kentucky's Massive Cannabis Licensing Response: 5,000 Applications Filed Before Deadline

Nearly 5,000 medical cannabis license applications were filed in Kentucky by the August deadline, showing immense interest.

France's Macron to visit Serbia with a possible deal to sell French warplanes in a shift from Russia

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron starts a two-day state visit to Serbia on Thursday with the focus on the possible sale of 12 Rafale multi-purpose fighter jets to the country, which has maintained close ties to Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.

What If Kamala Wins? The 3 Words That Will Change Everything

What If Kamala Wins? The 3 Words That Will Change Everything - Ad

The same team that predicted Biden's downfall ... now warns of a new threat. Learn how to safeguard your future.

Stellantis recalls 1.5M Ram trucks to fix software bug that can disable stability control

DETROIT (AP) — Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.5 million Ram pickup trucks worldwide to fix a software problem that can disable the electronic stability control system.

US Steel CEO David Burritt Blasted By United Steelworkers President After $15B Deal With Nippon Steel Comes Under Biden Administration Scrutiny: 'Get A Decent CEO'

David McCall, President of United Steelworkers met Nippon Steel's Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori this summer to describe the union's demands, particularly ensuring that the Japanese steelmaker's parent sign the deal

4 Cryptos Set to Outperform Bitcoin in 2024

4 Cryptos Set to Outperform Bitcoin in 2024 - Ad

Chris Rowe, the man who spotted 44 different coins that have returned over 100%, is now making the biggest crypto call of his ENTIRE career.... Because a powerful crypto event will trigger on June 24th... Sending hundreds of tiny cryptos soaring 5X, 50X, even 100X -- in just days.

California governor signs laws to protect actors against unauthorized use of AI

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed off Tuesday on legislation aiming at protecting Hollywood actors and performers against unauthorized artificial intelligence that could be used to create digital clones of themselves without their consent.

Wall Street Could Head Higher As Traders Look Forward To Retail Sales Data Ahead Of Fed Decision, Tech Stocks On The Mend: Strategist Flags This As Best-Case Scenario For Market This Week

U.S. stocks are priming for a positive start on Tuesday ahead of the release of the key August retail sales report. Traders could throng the tech space as they seek to take advantage of the recent pullback.

DO NOT Make Another Trade Without Seeing This First

DO NOT Make Another Trade Without Seeing This First - Ad

Starting September 23... a huge secret of the markets could help you consistently target gains like: 126%... 245%... even 463% or more... often in 30 days or less... No matter what the market does next.

Behind the nonprofit helping a diverse new generation of culinary professionals heat up New York

NEW YORK (AP) — A side of beef bigger than a classroom desktop sat before high school students huddled around a kitchen on New York's Lower East Side. “Anyone wanna jump in?” asked the butcher teaching the Tuesday afternoon class. One student dared, grabbing a sawblade about as long as his arm and sweating to successfully separate the short rib from the rib eye.

Average long-term US mortgage rates holds at 6.35% this week ahead of expected Fed rate cut

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. was flat this week ahead of an expected interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve later this month.

September 23 - The Biggest Crypto Event in History

September 23 - The Biggest Crypto Event in History - Ad

According to the man who called every major market top and bottom for the last 29 years... A single event triggering on September 23rd will send the crypto market soaring. But what's more exciting... is that this event could send a small sector of the crypto market soaring 5X, 25X, and even 100X higher in just days.

Peter Schiff Highlights Bitcoin's Underwhelming Performance Against Gold In The Past 6 Months: 'The Momentum Has Flipped'

Renowned economist Peter Schiff recently pointed out a significant divergence in the performance of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and gold over the past six months, a trend he believes is largely overlooked.

US economic growth for last quarter is revised up to a solid 3% annual rate

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew last quarter at a healthy 3% annual pace, fueled by strong consumer spending and business investment, the government said Thursday in an upgrade of its initial assessment.

Could You Retire on a Single AI Stock (Trading for Only $15)?

Could You Retire on a Single AI Stock (Trading for Only $15)? - Ad

Imagine what the perfect AI stock would look like...forefront of AI trend...virtual monopoly in its market... exempt from federal taxes. As you're about to see, this perfect AI stock does exist, and is currently trading for only $15. With just one investment, you could potentially set yourself up for massive financial gains.

More Hong Kongers tune out the news as they adapt to Beijing's tightening grip

HONG KONG (AP) — Hannah Wong cried when the Hong Kong government effectively forced and out of business three years ago. Among the last news outlets in the city willing to criticize the government openly, many saw their end as a sign that the old Hong Kong was gone for good.

Trending Now

Trump Vs. Harris: Election Forecaster With 9 Out Of 10 Accurate Predictions Makes Final Call, Says This Person Will Be 'Next President Of The United States'