Gushiken Yona
Arsyan Ismail appeared in global headlines last week following the announcement of the AI.com sale. The transaction was finalized in 2025 for a reported $70 million. Media outlets celebrate the Malaysian entrepreneur for a 70,000,000% return on a $100 investment. However, a different legacy remains connected to the name for a specific segment of the digital asset community.
Key Points
- Arsyan Ismail finalized the $70 million sale of AI.com to Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek, marking a historic domain transaction.
- The move yielded a 70,000,000% return on a $100 investment made by the Malaysian entrepreneur in 1993.
- The windfall revives scrutiny over Ismail’s role as the technical architect for the collapsed $1 billion BitKingdom scheme.
Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek acquired the domain to power a decentralized AGI network. The deal set a record for public domain sales. Ismail registered the address in 1993 using his mother’s credit card. Ismail’s career is a reflection of the evolution of the Malaysian technology sector. He launched Kawanster in 2003 and later worked for Friendster. He founded 1337 Tech in 2013 to focus on blockchain applications.
The BitKingdom Allegations
But as soon as the name of the sale’s recipient surfaced, the other side of X and other online sleuths uncovered a different story. Scrutiny focuses on Ismail’s involvement with BitKingdom. The platform launched in 2015 promising 30% monthly returns. Regulators at Bank Negara Malaysia flagged the operation as unauthorized in 2017. Internal documents and archived Change.org petitions identify Ismail as the technical architect. Victims claim he managed the databases tracking Bitcoin deposits.
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Ismail consistently denied executive control. He maintained his status as a third-party contractor providing technical services. Disputes with management led him to lock database access. The action froze thousands of pending payouts amid a Royal Malaysian Police probe.
The Aureus Pivot and the Crypto-Crest Dispute
BitKingdom operators forced a transition to a token named Aureus (AURS) after liquidity dried up. Leadership claimed a 15,000 BTC reserve backed the asset. Victim advocacy groups allege Ismail oversaw approximately 30,000 BTC in the Aureus Bitcoin Trust. Forensic reports suggest funds moved to fresh wallets even as user access remained blocked.
Partners formed a recovery entity named Crypto-Crest to oversee the reclamation of project assets. Tensions rose when Ismail reportedly liquidated holdings including 4,000 BCH. Over 16,000 BTC remain unaccounted for. Ismail claimed a hack resulted in the loss of community holdings. Crypto-Crest accused Ismail of sabotage. The technical team exited the project as the token value collapsed.
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Legal Status and Current Operations
Authorities charged founder Datuk Mohammad Fadino Khairuman with cheating in 2020. Ismail faced no formal charges. Police investigations stalled without sufficient evidence to indict the technical administrator. No Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission involvement occurred as allegations focused on fraud rather than graft.
Ismail currently operates 1337 Tech and Arcturian Labs. He faces no ongoing probes as of February 2026. The $70 million sale establishes him as a high-net-worth player in the AI sector. Investors in the collapsed scheme received no restitution. Total losses reached $1 billion across similar schemes operating in the region at the time. The BitKingdom era remains an unresolved chapter for thousands of former investors.
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YONA GUSHIKEN
Yona brings a decade of experience covering gaming, tech, and blockchain news. As one of the few women in crypto journalism, her mission is to demystify complex technical subjects for a wider audience. Her work blends professional insight with engaging narratives, aiming to educate and entertain.
