$1.5 Million Crypto Scam Devastates African Immigrant Community in Pennsylvania
LIMAP Calls for Federal Action, Files Complaints with DOJ, FTC, CFPB, SEC, and FBI Darby, PA — August 5, 2025
The Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania (LIMAP) is raising the alarm after more
than $1.5 million was stolen from dozens of African immigrant families through a fraudulent
crypto investment scheme disguised as a scooter rental business. Victims were promised
daily profits and bonuses for referrals. Instead, their funds—transferred through Cash App,
Zelle, Coinbase, and Binance—were locked or vanished entirely.
Many were working-class individuals with limited tech literacy and no recourse. “This wasn’t just fraud. It was digital exploitation of our immigrant community through trusted apps that failed to protect us,” said Kafumba Lassana Sanoe, President of LIMAP. LIMAP has officially reported the scam to:
- U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- FBI Philadelphia Field Office
- Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office The organization is calling for Congressional hearings and stronger fintech regulations to:
- Protect vulnerable and immigrant communities from crypto-enabled fraud.
- Hold peer-to-peer payment platforms accountable.
- Create restitution programs for financial abuse victims.
“This community is grieving. We need federal leadership to make things right.” LIMAP is also urging Apple, Google, and Meta to investigate how scam apps or ads were allowed on their platforms.
About LIMAP:
The Liberian Mandingo Association of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit community organization headquartered in Darby, PA, serving African immigrants across the Delaware Valley. LIMAP works to advance economic inclusion, cultural preservation, youth development, and advocacy.
Media Inquiries & Interviews:
- Contact: Kafumba Lassana Sanoe, President
- Email: limapofficial@gmail.com
- Phone: (215) 966-7916
- Website: www.limapusa.org