Fake Girlfriend Scheme Prompts Revocation of Shane Hvizdzak’s Bond in Major Crypto Fraud Case – BlockTribune

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Law360 reported that a federal judge revoked the release of convicted cryptocurrency scammer Shane Hvizdzak, citing his alleged use of a fake girlfriend to defraud an acquaintance. U.S. District Judge Scott Hardy ruled there was probable cause that Hvizdzak committed wire fraud, a violation of his release conditions while awaiting sentencing for a 2025 plea to wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy.

Prosecutors stated that Hvizdzak, after reconnecting with an old friend, Leanna Cameron, allegedly boasted of making $1.5 million daily from crypto trading and offered to help her business. The scheme reportedly involved a persona named “Tessa,” who initiated contact with Cameron, leading to Hvizdzak’s re-engagement. Cameron made an initial $60 investment but grew suspicious after months of communicating only with “Tessa” on Snapchat and being unable to access the alleged tens of thousands of dollars Hvizdzak claimed to have earned from her money. She subsequently alerted the FBI.

During a revocation hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Trabold questioned Hvizdzak’s trustworthiness, asking, “What level of confidence can you have in a defendant who’s making up girlfriends … in furtherance of a fraud?” Judge Hardy’s decision led to Hvizdzak being taken into custody by U.S. Marshals.

This incident occurred while Hvizdzak was awaiting sentencing for a larger fraud case. He and his brother, attorney Sean Hvizdzak, had pleaded guilty to defrauding investors of $33 million by misrepresenting cryptocurrency investments through a hedge fund, with funds instead diverted to personal accounts or used to repay earlier investors. Shane Hvizdzak had been on a $10,000 unsecured bond during his prosecution.

Cameron testified that she had known Hvizdzak for about 35 years. She explained that Hvizdzak sought help online to introduce his new girlfriend, “Tessa,” to the area, prompting Cameron to connect with “Tessa” on Snapchat. Hvizdzak then visited Cameron’s float spa business, offering investment advice and claiming he could generate $1.5 million daily. He instructed her to set up three cryptocurrency wallets with $20 each, which she provided to him for investment.

Hvizdzak’s defense attorneys argued that he provided significant free services and advice to Cameron, including website development and app creation, far exceeding the minimal financial investment. They presented text messages showing Cameron’s appreciation and offers of payment, which Hvizdzak declined. However, Cameron stated that these services lacked tangible results, and she was unable to access alleged profits or recover funds. She also claimed Hvizdzak used a phone she provided to create additional online accounts in her name without her consent or returning the device.

Cameron’s suspicions were further fueled when she learned from Hvizdzak’s brother that the family had never met “Tessa,” leading her to believe Hvizdzak was impersonating her. Prosecutors emphasized that Hvizdzak’s claims of substantial profits were improbable, and his failure to return funds when requested demonstrated fraudulent intent.

Hvizdzak’s attorneys countered that embellishing online personas does not constitute fraud, but Judge Hardy found the defendant’s deceitful conduct concerning enough to revoke his release, stating that measures like internet restrictions would not adequately protect the community.