Former Athlete Sentenced for Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme

Shane Donovan Moore, a 37-year-old former semi-professional rugby player, has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison for orchestrating a fraudulent cryptocurrency mining scheme. Operating through Quantum Donovan LLC between January 2021 and October 2022, Moore deceived over 40 investors across multiple U.S. states, amassing more than $900,000 under false pretenses.

Moore promised investors a 1% daily return, claiming funds WOULD be used to purchase cryptocurrency mining equipment. Instead, he diverted the money for personal luxuries—including travel, electronics, and apartment deposits—while employing a Ponzi structure to repay early participants. U.S. District Judge Tana Lin highlighted the emotional toll on victims, many of whom were drawn from Moore’s rugby network in Washington, Oregon, and beyond.

The case underscores persistent risks in the crypto space, where opaque projects and charismatic promoters can exploit investor enthusiasm. No specific coins or exchanges were implicated in the scheme.