Rodney Burton, also called Bitcoin Rodney, faces US charges for his role in the $3bn HyperVerse Ponzi scheme. He claims in new court papers that Australian Sam Lee trapped him in an elaborate fraud. Burton's lawyers say he acted in good faith and wants to be freed from custody. The HyperVerse scam started in 2020 and reportedly defrauded investors of nearly $1.9bn. Burton, aged 55, showed off luxury cars and gold watches in promo videos. His team says he did "extraordinary due diligence," visiting Hong Kong and Dubai to meet Sam Lee and check HyperFund's offices. Burton's lawyer argues the US Department of Justice should drop the case, citing former President Trump's preference for civil regulation over criminal charges in crypto matters. Sam Lee, once called the "crown prince of bitcoin," moved to Dubai in 2021. He denies charges and blames a "Biden Era anti-crypto witch hunt." Lee says his part was only tech support and disputes any role in deceiving Burton. The court files accuse Lee of building a fake corporate front and using celebrities like Steve Wozniak in promotions to lure investors. The US Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil fraud charges against Lee, who responded in court denying jurisdiction and wrongdoing. Australian regulator ASIC is investigating Lee's former firm and took legal steps against his associates, but some have left Australia. Burton has already spent 22 months detained before trial. His trial is set for March 2026. Burton's lawyers plead for his release, citing Trump's return to power and his goal to make the US the "crypto capital of the world."