Commentary — The United States crackdown on BG Wealth Sharing, which collapsed last week, is now widening beyond the alleged operators of the scheme, raising the possibility that some promoters — including individuals within the Tongan community — could face increased scrutiny.
The development may carry implications for people seeking US immigration visas or access to government benefits, including applicants for green cards, citizenship, or public assistance.
US authorities announced they had frozen US$41 million allegedly linked to individuals behind BG Wealth, who were accused of attempting to move US$92 million through blockchain networks.
The case triggered strong reactions online, with some users arguing that victims had ignored repeated warnings about the scheme. Others pointed to concerns that several prominent promoters continued publicly encouraging participation despite alerts issued by US financial authorities in Washington and Utah, as well as warnings from officials in Tonga
Hawaii Issues Legal Order
In the aftermath of the collapse, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs issued a preliminary cease-and-desist order against BG Wealth Sharing LTD and several individuals, alleging violations of state securities laws.
The order names Cranci Ilima Luci Hoopai and Ligaya Joy Arcenas, also known as Ligaya Arcenas Buchacek, as alleged promoters linked to the investment operation. According to the filing, the company offered and sold unregistered securities through a cryptocurrency-based platform to residents of Hawaiʻi in an effort to solicit investments.
The State of Hawaiʻi is seeking administrative penalties of US$50,000 against each respondent — totalling US$150,000 — along with a permanent injunction barring them from participating in securities-related activities within the state.
US Eyes Online Promoter Activity
While no equivalent public warning or formal enforcement action has been announced against Tongan-based promoters, recent developments highlight another area that could attract regulatory or immigration scrutiny in the United States — individuals’ social media activity and online presence.
The screening of immigrants’ social media accounts is already embedded within US immigration procedures, allowing authorities to conduct broader background and risk assessments, particularly in cases involving fraud, security, or admissibility concerns.
As of 2026, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has further expanded its ability to review publicly available posts, images, online affiliations, and digital network connections where they are considered relevant to an immigration application or investigation.
This does not mean every applicant is automatically monitored or investigated for online activity. However, publicly visible posts or associations connected to alleged fraudulent investment schemes could potentially become relevant in assessments relating to credibility, admissibility, or eligibility for immigration benefits.
Tightened Visa Scrutiny
Several Tongans who recently attended US visa interviews have described the process as particularly rigorous, with some saying the questioning appeared highly detailed and focused on identifying even minor inconsistencies that could affect the outcome of an application.
While there are no known cases involving Tongans in relation to visa enforcement linked to BG Wealth, US immigration authorities have previously revoked visas or initiated removal proceedings in cases where individuals’ social media activity raised concerns relating to security, fraud, or public safety.
Against that backdrop, attention may turn to the conduct of individuals who promoted BG Wealth even after financial authorities in Utah, Washington, and Tonga had issued warnings. This has prompted broader questions about the long-term risks of publicly endorsing unregulated investment schemes online, particularly where social media activity may later be scrutinised in regulatory or immigration-related assessments.
