The founder and former CEO of the cryptocurrency lending platform Celsius Network has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after a prosecutor labeled him a predator who “preyed on hope” by enticing vulnerable customers to risk their life savings for a supposedly safe investment.

Prosecutors accused Mashinsky of misleading investors about the profitability of Celsius’ platform while secretly selling off tens of millions of dollars in personal holdings.

Crypto founder jailed for 12 years over $7b in value fraud after deceiving investors through Celsius Network's false promises.