Former Heartland Tri-State Bank CEO Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Prison for $47 Million Cryptocurrency Scam

Former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank, Shan Hanes, has been sentenced to 293 months of federal imprisonment for his involvement in a $47 million cryptocurrency fraud case. Court documents show that Hanes executed 11 unauthorized wire transfers between May and July 2023, transferring $47.1 million of the bank's funds to a cryptocurrency wallet as part of a scheme known as the "Piggyback Plan," which involved luring unsuspecting investors into fraudulent digital asset investments. Special Agent Justin R. Bundy announced Hanes' sentencing for his involvement in the embezzlement scheme, which ultimately led to the collapse of Heartland Tri-State Bank.