Daren Li, a fugitive mastermind behind a $73 million cryptocurrency scam, has been sentenced in absentia to 20 years in prison by a U.S. court. Li, a dual citizen of China and St. Kitts and Nevis, remains at large after removing his electronic ankle monitor and fleeing in December 2025. He had previously pleaded guilty to laundering funds stolen from American victims through fraudulent crypto platforms. The scheme, which operated from scam centers in Cambodia, involved luring victims via social media, dating apps, and spoofed trading platforms. Li directed co-conspirators to open U.S. bank accounts under shell companies and convert victim funds into virtual currency. Despite his absence, the Justice Department emphasized its commitment to dismantling such operations and continues efforts to locate Li. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva highlighted the severe impact of Li's actions on victims across the U.S., while First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned of the dangers posed by online fraudsters. Eight co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty, with Li being the first directly tied to the receipt of victim funds to be sentenced.