Coinbase Users Lose $16 Million In Alleged Phishing Scheme By Brooklyn Man

TLDR

Table of Contents

Ronald Spektor allegedly stole $16 million from around 100 Coinbase users through phishing.
Victims were tricked into transferring crypto to wallets controlled by the suspect.
Authorities recovered $105,000 in cash and $400,000 in cryptocurrency so far.
Spektor faces 31 counts including grand larceny and money laundering in Brooklyn.

A Brooklyn resident has been charged with allegedly stealing nearly $16 million from about 100 Coinbase users through a phishing scam. The 23-year-old, known online as “@lolimfeelingevil,” is accused of posing as a Coinbase support representative and convincing victims to transfer their crypto holdings to wallets he controlled. Authorities say the stolen assets were laundered through crypto mixers, swapping services, and gambling platforms.

Phishing Scheme and Charges

Ronald Spektor, from Sheepshead Bay, was arraigned on 31 counts, including first-degree grand larceny and money laundering. Prosecutors say the scheme ran from April 2023 through December 2024.

Spektor allegedly contacted victims claiming their Coinbase accounts were at risk. He convinced them to transfer cryptocurrency to wallets under his control. Investigators report he moved the funds through various online services to hide their origin.

Saw the news about the Brooklyn case. A guy named Ronald Spektor took $16 million from Coinbase users. He pretended to be support and scared them into sending crypto.
I read he bragged in a Telegram group called Blockchain enemies. He said he gambled away $6 million of it. That… pic.twitter.com/oWGkdUQ2Ez
— Matrix Onchain (@Matrixonchain) December 21, 2025

Authorities identified roughly 100 victims, including a California resident who lost over $1 million and a Virginia resident who lost more than $900,000. So far, about $105,000 in cash and $400,000 in cryptocurrency have been recovered. Investigators interviewed more than 70 victims during the inquiry.

Online Activity and Admissions

Spektor operated under the handle “Ronaldd” and managed a Telegram channel called “Blockchain enemies.” Prosecutors say he posted about his thefts online and admitted to losing $6 million gambling. His online presence helped authorities track and confirm the alleged crimes.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong commented on X that the company would pursue scammers targeting users. He stated, “Scammers targeting Coinbase customers will be brought to justice.” Blockchain investigator ZachXBT also assisted in identifying Spektor after publishing an investigation when a victim sought his help following a $6 million loss.

Cooperation and Past Security Incidents

Coinbase collaborated with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit throughout the investigation. The exchange helped trace stolen funds and identify the suspect.

The indictment comes after a challenging year for Coinbase security. In February 2025, social engineering scams reportedly caused over $65 million in losses over two months, according to ZachXBT. Additionally, a data breach in May affected nearly 70,000 users, with estimated costs between $180 million and $400 million, involving bribed overseas support staff.

Legal Proceedings and Family Involvement

Spektor pleaded not guilty through his attorney, who described the allegations as speculative. Prosecutors revealed that he planned to flee the country before his arrest. Reports indicate his father is also being considered an “active suspect” in connection with the case.

The Brooklyn DA’s office continues to investigate and recover stolen assets. The case demonstrates law enforcement coordination with blockchain investigators and cryptocurrency companies to address large-scale thefts.

The indictment reinforces the ongoing risks of phishing and social engineering scams in the crypto sector. Authorities encourage users to verify communications and exercise caution when transferring assets online. The outcome of the case will be closely monitored by the cryptocurrency community and law enforcement.