Goran Spiridonov and Kristina Janeva were charged for allegedly using President Trump’s name and brand to market fake “Trump Bucks.” Federal allegations claim the scheme induced victims to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars across the United States.

Goran Spiridonov and Kristina Janeva were charged by federal prosecutors with fraudulently using President Donald Trump’s name to scam victims across the country. The case centers on the alleged sale of “Trump Bucks,” described in the indictment as a fictitious form of legal tender. Prosecutors allege the defendants promoted the product by implying it was affiliated with, or connected to, causes associated with President Trump, encouraging people to send money in exchange. According to the charging documents, the conduct allegedly resulted in losses totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, with victims located across the United States. The case is framed as an impersonation-style fraud built around the credibility of a well-known political identity and brand. Instead of relying on technical malware or account takeovers, the alleged scheme used marketing claims intended to lower skepticism and persuade buyers that the payment was legitimate. The indictment alleges the defendants’ actions violated federal fraud statutes and involved deception designed to extract funds from victims. If convicted, the charges could carry significant penalties. This case serves as a reminder that “brand affiliation” claims can be weaponized in scams—especially when the promised value is vague or the alleged product lacks a verifiable, lawful basis.