A fraudster from Cardiff has been sentenced to prison after orchestrating a sophisticated scam that involved hijacking victims' social media accounts to promote a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme.
The Mechanics of the Deception
Between January 2021 and June 2023, Haroon Zaman, 23, of Holmesdale Street, Grangetown, Cardiff, gained unauthorised access to numerous social media profiles. He then used these compromised accounts to pose as the legitimate owners, contacting their friends and followers. His goal was to promote what he falsely claimed were lucrative, 'risk-free' cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
The scam relied on the inherent trust within social networks. Believing they were receiving advice from a friend, victims were persuaded to transfer funds. In reality, no genuine investments were ever made. Zaman simply pocketed the cash, defrauding 17 known victims of a total of £124,479.
Investigation and Sentencing
The criminal operation was uncovered through a joint investigation by South Wales Police and the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU). The evidence gathered led to Zaman's prosecution at Reading Crown Court.
On Wednesday, 18 December 2025, Zaman was sentenced to three years and eight months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to fraud by false representation.
Police Condemn 'Complete Disregard' for Victims
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Alex Sarakinis from SEROCU commented on the case. He stated that Zaman had shown a "complete disregard for the damage" caused to his victims.
"By hijacking social media accounts, he deceived people into believing they were investing safely, when in fact he was stealing their money," DC Sarakinis said. "Thanks to close partnership working with South Wales Police, we were able to uncover the scale of his offending and ensure he has now been brought before the courts."
This case serves as a stark warning about the dangers of investment fraud on social media. Authorities urge the public to be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers received online, even if they appear to come from known contacts.
