Crypto-Pal Fraud Verdict Exposes Fake No-Risk Returns That Cost Investors Nearly $1M

Crypto Investors Lost Nearly $1 Million to Promises of Guaranteed Returns

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced June 18 that federal jurors convicted Daniel Chartraw, 53, formerly of South Lake Tahoe and Lodi, California, after an eight-day trial tied him to cryptocurrency and investment fraud schemes that cost investors nearly $1 million. The case involved Crypto-Pal LLC, TDA Global LLC, and victims across the country.

Prosecutors presented a case built on false guarantees, sham ventures, and investor funds that were never used as promised. The schemes ran from March 2021 to February 2022, during which Chartraw and an associate controlled multiple companies and communicated with investors via calls, texts, emails, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.

The DOJ explained:

“Crypto-Pal was a web-based cryptocurrency trading company that guaranteed high returns with no risk.”

“At various points, Chartraw also claimed that TDA Global was engaged in supplying jet fuel to airlines or operated its own cryptocurrency trading platform,” the Department of Justice continued.

Trial evidence showed Chartraw directed operations while using aliases including “Leonard” and “Leon.” He told associates he needed to conceal his identity due to a prior fraud conviction, though many investors later learned that Chartraw controlled the businesses and their accounts.

Investor pitches shifted across business lines. Crypto-Pal was promoted as a crypto trading operation, while TDA Global was described at different times as a jet fuel supplier to airlines or as a separate cryptocurrency trading platform.

Aliases, Bank Access, and False Statements Helped Drive Nearly $1M in Investor Losses

Bank records became central to the government’s case. Although Chartraw was not a signatory on Crypto-Pal’s business bank account, evidence showed he repeatedly accessed it to withdraw cash, make purchases, and transfer investor funds into accounts he personally controlled.

Victims entered the schemes through personal and professional relationships, including referrals from friends or family. Prosecutors described fabricated account statements, false assurances of growth, and repeated misrepresentations that persuaded investors to send additional cash or cryptocurrency.

The Justice Department noted:

“Chartraw faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.”

Repayment requests exposed the gap between the promises and the money trail. When investors sought their funds or questioned delays, Chartraw offered excuses, shifted responsibility, or stopped communicating, while victims received neither returns nor repayment of their principal.