Former Rugby Player Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crypto Mining Ponzi Scheme
A former semi-pro rugby player who promised investors daily returns from a crypto mining business that never existed has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison.
Shane Donovan Moore’s Fraudulent Operation
Shane Donovan Moore operated Quantum Donovan LLC from January 2021 to October 2022, defrauding over 40 investors out of more than $900,000, according to the Department of Justice.
Moore claimed the funds would be used to purchase crypto mining rigs that would generate 1% daily returns.
Instead of buying mining rigs, he used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including luxury apartments, designer luggage, and electronics, while also paying earlier investors to keep the Ponzi scam running.
Impact on Victims
The 37-year-old Seattle rugby player targeted fellow rugby players across multiple states, exploiting personal trust to recruit victims who lost more than $387,000 in total.
Moore used some of the investor money to purchase crypto and repay small sums to early participants, further perpetuating the scheme.
Legal Consequences
U.S. District Judge Tana Lin noted during sentencing that Moore “caused emotional and psychological damage to the victims” beyond financial harm.
Moore will serve a 30-month sentence in federal prison and was ordered to pay restitution, though the full repayment plan was not specified by authorities.
Broader Crackdown on Crypto Investment Fraud
Moore’s sentencing comes amid a larger crackdown on crypto investment fraud, with recent cases such as the OmegaPro Ponzi scheme involving luxury lifestyles and promises of high returns before disappearing.
According to Chainalysis’ 2025 Mid-Year Crypto Crime Report, over $2.17 billion in crypto has already been stolen this year, surpassing the total for 2024.
Investors are advised to exercise caution and due diligence when considering crypto investments to avoid falling victim to scams.