NewsletterNFT Scam: Moroccon Man Stealing Bored Ape NFTs on Fake OpenSea Marketplace
On Monday, July 10, US Prosecutors charged a Moroccan man for stealing two Bored Ape NFTs, and other digital assets by creating a fake OpenSea marketplace. The person stole a total of $450,000 in NFTs and cryptocurrencies.
Soufiane Oulahyane, 25, created the fake OpenSea NFT website and tricked victims into sharing their seed phrases, that give access to one’s crypto wallet. This was, the person guilty gained access to the accounts on the actual OpenSea marketplace, said the Department of Justice. In a statement on Monday, Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams said:
The practice is known as “spoofing,” which is “one of the oldest tricks in the criminal playbook”. “Oulahyane adapted this old tool for use in a new and developing arena — the crypto space.”
The overall NFT market is currently going through a rough phase with the floor prices of top NFT projects like BAYC hitting a multi-month low. As a result, the frauds taking place in the NFT space have also been increasing simultaneously.
The prosecutors have charged Oulahyane with stealing someone’s cryptocurrency in New York. The victim’s identity was not revealed. Oulahyane also sold 39 of the victim’s NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on OpenSea. This includes a cartoon ape wearing a sailor cap and smoking a cigar, according to the Department of Justice.
OpenSea NFT Scam
As per the government investigation, Oulahyane paid for sponsored links on an unidentified search engine. Upon clicking the link, users were directed to a phony site that looked like OpenSea’s login page. Soon as the users entered the seed phrases on this phony website, the details moved to Oulahyane.
According to prosecutors, the victim also spent around $18,700 for the ape NFT and $3,400 for the dog NFT, purchased using 9.88 Ether and 1.789 Ether, respectively.
Oulahyane faces charges of wire fraud, using an unauthorized access device, aggravated identity theft, and using an access device to steal a minimum of $1,000. Also, if convicted of fraud, he could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Why Trust CoinGape
CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more… to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Premium Partners
Delivered every day.
- Insights that move markets
- 100,000 active subscribers
Related Articles
- Breaking: OCC Grants Ripple Conditional Approval For Banking License
- Crypto ETF Issuer Bitwise Defends Michael Saylor’s Strategy, Urges MSCI Neutrality on DATs’ Inclusion
- Fed’s Goolsbee “Optimistic” About More Rate Cuts Next Year Despite FOMC Dissent
- Coinstore Unveils 5-Year Roadmap as Exchange Marks Fifth Anniversary
- Dogecoin ETFs Fail to Attract Capital Despite Hype as Expert Maintains $1 Price for 2026
- Expert Predicts Bitcoin Price Crash to $75k as ETF Inflows Fall, Treasury Companies Plunge 83%
- HYPE Price Jumps 8% as Open Interest Hits $1.61B — Is $50 Next?
- Is Solana Price Poised for a +50% Bullish Rally? Here’s What to Expect
- Top 3 Price Predictions for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP in DEC 2025
- Will Chainlink Price Break Toward $20 After 84K LINK Reserve Increase?
- XRP Price Target $3 as Spot ETFs Continue to See Inflows
