Tech
The most infamous cryptocurrency fraud schemes of all time
Perianne Boring, founder and CEO of the Digital Chamber of Commerce, says the lawmaker’s “false and misleading statements” should be investigated on “The Claman Countdown.”
THE growing diffusion of cryptocurrencies it has also led to more frequent and elaborate cryptocurrency scams over the years.
One such scam by a fraudulent cryptocurrency company called Centra Tech is now the subject of a new Netflix movie called “Bitconned”, which is scheduled for release on January 1st.
“Ray Trapani has always wanted to be a criminal, ever since he was a boy,” reads the film’s description. “In 2017, amid the economic frenzy of the bitcoin boom, there was no better place for cryptocurrency scammers. So when a friend of Ray’s approached him with the idea of creating a cryptocurrency debit card, Trapani jumped at the opportunity. There was only one problem: he had no idea how to do it.”
Centra Tech is one of many recent, high-profile crypto scams that have resulted in millions and billions of dollars in losses for customers around the world.
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Here are some of the most infamous cryptocurrency fraud schemes in history:
Tech Center
Principal co-founder Sohrab Sharma, along with Robert Farkas and Trapani, founded Centra Tech in 2017. The company advertised cryptocurrency financial products, including a so-called cryptocurrency debit card they dubbed the “Centra Card.”
The company tricked customers into believing they could use the card to make payments at establishments that accepted Visa or Mastercard payments. They also convinced investors to purchase unregistered securities in the form of digital coins, or “Centra Tokens,” according to the Justice Department.
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The founders founded Centra Tech on the lie that its fictitious founder, “Michael Edwards,” had more than 20 years of banking experience and a master’s degree from Harvard. They also perpetuated other lies “that Centra Tech had partnered with Bancorp, Visa, and Mastercard to issue Centra cards licensed by Visa or Mastercard” and “that Centra Tech had money transmitting and other licenses in 38 states, among others claims,” the DOJ. said in a press release.
CURRENCY | COINBASE GLOBAL INC. | 209.60 | -16.26 | -7.20% |
REVOLT | BACKGROUND PLATFORMS | 9.55 | -0.87 | -8.35% |
BYON | BEYOND INC. | 1.40pm | -0.51 | -3.67% |
MARA | DIGITAL MARATHON | 7.21pm | -1.45 | -7.02% |
All three co-founders have since been convicted and sentenced to prison, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Sohrab Sharma conducted a scheme to deceive investors by falsely claiming that the startup he co-founded had developed cutting-edge, fully functional cryptocurrency-related financial products,” Ilan T. Graff, a U.S. lawyer, said in a statement of 2021. “In reality, Sharma’s most prominent inventions were the fake executives, fake business partnerships, and false licenses that he and his co-conspirators advertised to trick victims into handing over tens of millions of dollars.”
FTX
FTX, a bankrupt and fraudulent cryptocurrency company, made national headlines this year when its founder Sam Bankman-Fried was indicted in February and put on trial Manhattan Federal Court.
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried appears in federal court during his fraud trial in Manhattan, New York on October 26, 2023. (Jane Rosenberg/Fox News)
In November the court found Bankman-Fried guilty of defrauding investors, clients and lenders who took part in the collapse of his crypto empire in one of two criminal trials has faced.
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The collapse of FTX wiped out about $1 billion in client funds.
“Sam Bankman-Fried perpetrated one of the largest financial frauds in American history.”
– US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams
Bankman-Fried was charged with two counts of wire fraud and five counts of conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged that the 31-year-old founder of FTX and its sister hedge fund, Alameda Research, misappropriated and siphoned billions of dollars from FTX client deposits, planning to mislead investors and grooming other executives at his companies to do the same.
Sam Bankman-Fried, co-founder of FTX Cryptocurrency Derivatives Exchange, arrives in court in New York on January 3, 2023. (Stephanie Keith/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
“The cryptocurrency industry may be new. The players, like Sam Bankman-Fried, may be new. But this type of corruption is as old as time,” said US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams after the announcement of the verdict.
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The founder of FTX, who amassed an estimated net worth of $26 billion before his company filed for bankruptcy last year, also testified during his trial. He admitted he had made mistakes but maintained his innocence, saying he had not defrauded anyone.
BitConnect Ponzi Scheme
The FTX scam has often been compared to the BitConnect Ponzi scheme.
BitConnect, which has since collapsed, was a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment company that at one point reached a peak market capitalization of $3.4 billion, according to the Justice Department.
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A San Diego federal grand jury last year indicted the founder of the company, the Indian Satish Kumbhani. Kumbhani is alleged to have deceived investors about the company’s “loan program,” which in reality operated as a Ponzi scheme by paying off BitConnect’s early investors with funds from new investors.
Prosecutors say Kumbhani and his co-conspirators received a total of $2.4 billion from BitConnect investors.
“This indictment involves a massive cryptocurrency scheme that defrauded investors of more than $2 billion.”
– U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman for the Southern District of California
“As cryptocurrency gains popularity and attracts investors around the world, alleged scammers like Kumbhani are using increasingly complex schemes to defraud investors, often stealing millions of dollars,” Special Agent in Charge Ryan L. Korner said in a statement of the Los Angeles field office of IRS Criminal Investigation. 2022 statement announcing indictment against Kumbhani.
OneCoin and the ‘Crypto Queen’
Ruja Ignatova, a Bulgarian woman Known as the “Cryptoqueen,” she is accused of defrauding millions of investors worth an estimated $4 billion through her fraudulent cryptocurrency company, OneCoin, since 2014.
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Ignatova is on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list. Authorities believe she may have received assistance from armed guards or associates and she may have altered her appearance after traveling to Athens, Greece, in 2017. Her co-founder, Karl Sebastian Greenwood, was sentenced to 20 years in September.
Ruja Ignatova, a Bulgarian woman known as the “Cryptoqueen,” is accused of defrauding millions of investors worth an estimated $4 billion through her fraudulent cryptocurrency company, OneCoin, starting in 2014. (FBI/Fox News )
OneCoin marketed a fraudulent cryptocurrency to unsuspecting investors around the world.
“As the founder and leader of OneCoin, Karl Sebastian Greenwood operated one of the largest fraud schemes ever perpetrated. Greenwood and his co-conspirators, including fugitive Ruja Ignatova, swindled unsuspecting victims out of billions of dollars with the promise of a ‘ financial revolution’ and claims OneCoin is the ‘bitcoin killer,’” Damian Williams said in a September statement.
“In fact, OneCoin was completely worthless and investors were left with nothing, while Greenwood lined his pockets with over $300 million.”
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Ignatova, who is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud, allegedly told investors to transfer funds to their OneCoin accounts to purchase packages OneCoin, according to the Department of Justice.
Bitclub network
Similarly, BitClub Network was a $722 million fraudulent cryptocurrency scheme “that solicited money from investors in exchange for shares of purported cryptocurrency mining pools and rewarded investors for recruiting new investors into the scheme” between 2014 and 2019, according to the Department of Justice.
Several people, including BitClub Network creator Matthew Brent Goettsche and Silviu Catalin Balaci, Russ Albert Medlin, Jobadiah Sinclair Weeks, Joseph Frank Abel and Gordon Brad Beckstead, have been charged in connection with the scheme.
A representation of bitcoin, June 23, 2017. (Benoit Tessier/File Photo/Reuters Photos)
Goettsche, Balaci, Abel and Weeks were all released on bail in 2020 and await sentencing hearings.
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“The indictment describes the defendants’ use of the complex world of cryptocurrencies to take advantage of unsuspecting investors,” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said in a 2019 statement. “What they allegedly did amounts to little more than a modern high-tech Ponzi scheme that defrauded victims of hundreds of millions of dollars Working with our police our partners here and across the country, we will ensure that these scammers are held to account for their crimes.”
The suspects spent their money “lavishly” defrauding investors, who Goettsche described as “stupid” and “sheep.” He also said that he was “building the entire model on the backs of idiots,” according to the Justice Department.
Fox News’ Breck Dumas contributed to this report.
Tech
Harvard Alumni, Tech Moguls, and Best-Selling Authors Drive Nearly $600 Million in Pre-Order Sales
BlockDAG Network’s history is one of innovation, perseverance, and a vision to push the boundaries of blockchain technology. With Harvard alumni, tech moguls, and best-selling authors at the helm, BlockDAG is rewriting the rules of the cryptocurrency game.
CEO Antony Turner, inspired by the successes and shortcomings of Bitcoin and Ethereum, says, “BlockDAG leverages existing technology to push the boundaries of speed, security, and decentralization.” This powerhouse team has led a staggering 1,600% price increase in 20 pre-sale rounds, raising over $63.9 million. The secret? Unparalleled expertise and a bold vision for the future of blockchain.
Let’s dive into BlockDAG’s success story and find out what the future holds for this cryptocurrency.
The Origin: Why BlockDAG Was Created
In a recent interview, BlockDAG CEO Antony Turner perfectly summed up why the market needs BlockDAG’s ongoing revolution. He said:
“The creation of BlockDAG was inspired by Bitcoin and Ethereum, their successes and their shortcomings.
If you look at almost any new technology, it is very rare that the first movers remain at the forefront forever. Later incumbents have a huge advantage in entering a market where the need has been established and the technology is no longer cutting edge.
BlockDAG has done just that: our innovation is incorporating existing technology to provide a better solution, allowing us to push the boundaries of speed, security, and decentralization.”
The Present: How Far Has BlockDAG Come?
BlockDAG’s presale is setting new benchmarks in the cryptocurrency investment landscape. With a stunning 1600% price increase over 20 presale lots, it has already raised over $63.9 million in capital, having sold over 12.43 billion BDAG coins.
This impressive performance underscores the overwhelming confidence of investors in BlockDAG’s vision and leadership. The presale attracted over 20,000 individual investors, with the BlockDAG community growing exponentially by the hour.
These monumental milestones have been achieved thanks to the unparalleled skills, experience and expertise of BlockDAG’s management team:
Antony Turner – Chief Executive Officer
Antony Turner, CEO of BlockDAG, has over 20 years of experience in the Fintech, EdTech, Travel and Crypto industries. He has held senior roles at SPIRIT Blockchain Capital and co-founded Axona-Analytics and SwissOne. Antony excels in financial modeling, business management and scaling growth companies, with expertise in trading, software, IoT, blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Director of Communications
Youssef Khaoulaj, CSO of BlockDAG, is a Smart Contract Auditor, Metaverse Expert, and Red Team Hacker. He ensures system security and disaster preparedness, and advises senior management on security issues.
advisory Committee
Steven Clarke-Martin, a technologist and consultant, excels in enterprise technology, startups, and blockchain, with a focus on DAOs and smart contracts. Maurice Herlihy, a Harvard and MIT graduate, is an award-winning computer scientist at Brown University, with experience in distributed computing and consulting roles, most notably at Algorand.
The Future: Becoming the Cryptocurrency with the Highest Market Cap in the World
Given its impressive track record and a team of geniuses working tirelessly behind the scenes, BlockDAG is quickly approaching the $600 million pre-sale milestone. This crypto powerhouse will soon enter the top 30 cryptocurrencies by market cap.
Currently trading at $0.017 per coin, BlockDAG is expected to hit $1 million in the coming months, with the potential to hit $30 per coin by 2030. Early investors have already enjoyed a 1600% ROI by batch 21, fueling a huge amount of excitement around BlockDAG’s presale. The platform is seeing significant whale buying, and demand is so high that batch 21 is almost sold out. The upcoming batch is expected to drive prices even higher.
Invest in BlockDAG Pre-Sale Now:
Pre-sale: https://purchase.blockdag.network
Website: https://blockdag.network
Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetwork
Discord: Italian: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu
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Tech
How Karak’s Latest Tech Integration Could Make Data Breaches Obsolete
- Space and Time uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure secure and tamper-proof data processing for smart contracts and enterprises.
- The integration facilitates faster development and deployment of Distributed Secure Services (DSS) on the Karak platform.
Karak, a platform known for its strong security capabilities, is enhancing its Distributed Secure Services (DSS) by integrating Space and Time as a zero-knowledge (ZK) coprocessor. This move is intended to strengthen trustless operations across its network, especially in slashing and rewards mechanisms.
Space and Time is a verifiable processing layer that uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure that computations on decentralized data warehouses are secure and untampered with. This system enables smart contracts, large language models (LLMs), and enterprises to process data without integrity concerns.
The integration with Karak will enable the platform to use Proof of SQL, a new ZK-proof approach developed by Space and Time, to confirm that SQL query results are accurate and have not been tampered with.
One of the key features of this integration is the enhancement of DSS on Karak. DSS are decentralized services that use re-staked assets to secure the various operations they provide, from simple utilities to complex marketplaces. The addition of Space and Time technology enables faster development and deployment of these services, especially by simplifying slashing logic, which is critical to maintaining security and trust in decentralized networks.
Additionally, Space and Time is developing its own DSS for blockchain data indexing. This service will allow community members to easily participate in the network by running indexing nodes. This is especially beneficial for applications that require high security and decentralization, such as decentralized data indexing.
The integration architecture follows a detailed and secure flow. When a Karak slashing contract needs to verify a SQL query, it calls the Space and Time relayer contract with the required SQL statement. This contract then emits an event with the query details, which is detected by operators in the Space and Time network.
These operators, responsible for indexing and monitoring DSS activities, validate the event and route the work to a verification operator who runs the query and generates the necessary ZK proof.
The result, along with a cryptographic commitment on the queried data, is sent to the relayer contract, which verifies and returns the data to the Karak cutter contract. This end-to-end process ensures that the data used in decision-making, such as determining penalties within the DSS, is accurate and reliable.
Karak’s mission is to provide universal security, but it also extends the capabilities of Space and Time to support multiple DSSs with their data indexing needs. As these technologies evolve, they are set to redefine the secure, decentralized computing landscape, making it more accessible and efficient for developers and enterprises alike. This integration represents a significant step towards a more secure and verifiable digital infrastructure in the blockchain space.
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Tech
Cryptocurrency Payments: Should CFOs Consider This Ferrari-Approved Trend?
Iconic Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari has announced the expansion of its cryptocurrency payment system to its European dealer network.
The move, which follows a successful launch in North America less than a year ago, raises a crucial question for CFOs across industries: Is it time to consider accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment for your business?
Ferrari’s move isn’t an isolated one. It’s part of a broader trend of companies embracing digital assets. As of 2024, we’re seeing a growing number of companies, from tech giants to traditional retailers, accepting cryptocurrencies.
This change is determined by several factors:
- Growing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies
- Growing demand from tech-savvy and affluent consumers
- Potential for faster and cheaper international transactions
- Desire to project an innovative brand image
Ferrari’s approach is particularly noteworthy. They have partnered with BitPay, a leading cryptocurrency payment processor, to allow customers to purchase vehicles using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC. This satisfies their tech-savvy and affluent customer base, many of whom have large digital asset holdings.
Navigating Opportunities and Challenges
Ferrari’s adoption of cryptocurrency payments illustrates several key opportunities for companies considering this move. First, it opens the door to new customer segments. By accepting cryptocurrency, Ferrari is targeting a younger, tech-savvy demographic—people who have embraced digital assets and see them as a legitimate form of value exchange. This strategy allows the company to connect with a new generation of affluent customers who may prefer to conduct high-value transactions in cryptocurrency.
Second, cryptocurrency adoption increases global reach. International payments, which can be complex and time-consuming with traditional methods, become significantly easier with cryptocurrency transactions. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that operate in multiple countries or deal with international customers, as it potentially reduces friction in cross-border transactions.
Third, accepting cryptocurrency positions a company as innovative and forward-thinking. In today’s fast-paced business environment, being seen as an early adopter of emerging technologies can significantly boost a brand’s image. Ferrari’s move sends a clear message that they are at the forefront of financial innovation, which can appeal to customers who value cutting-edge approaches.
Finally, there is the potential for cost savings. Traditional payment methods, especially for international transactions, often incur substantial fees. Cryptocurrency transactions, on the other hand, can offer lower transaction costs. For high-value purchases, such as luxury cars, these savings could be significant for both the business and the customer.
While the opportunities are enticing, accepting cryptocurrency payments also presents significant challenges that businesses must address. The most notable of these is volatility. Cryptocurrency values can fluctuate dramatically, sometimes within hours, posing potential risk to businesses that accept them as payment. Ferrari addressed this challenge by implementing a system that instantly converts cryptocurrency received into traditional fiat currencies, effectively mitigating the risk of value fluctuations.
Regulatory uncertainty is another major concern. The legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies is still evolving in many jurisdictions around the world. This lack of clear and consistent regulations can create compliance challenges for companies, especially those operating internationally. Companies must remain vigilant and adaptable as new laws and regulations emerge, which can be a resource-intensive process.
Implementation costs are also a significant obstacle. Integrating cryptocurrency payment systems often requires substantial investment in new technology infrastructure and extensive staff training. This can be especially challenging for small businesses or those with limited IT resources. The costs are not just financial; a significant investment of time is also required to ensure smooth implementation and operation.
Finally, security concerns loom large in the world of cryptocurrency transactions. While blockchain technology offers some security benefits, cryptocurrency transactions still require robust cybersecurity measures to protect against fraud, hacks, and other malicious activity. Businesses must invest in robust security protocols and stay up-to-date on the latest threats and protections, adding another layer of complexity and potential costs to accepting cryptocurrency payments.
Strategic Considerations for CFOs
If you’re thinking of following in Ferrari’s footsteps, here are the key factors to consider:
- Risk Assessment: Carefully evaluate potential risks to your business, including financial, regulatory, and reputational risks.
- Market Analysis: Evaluate whether your customer base is significantly interested in using cryptocurrencies for payments.
- Technology Infrastructure: Determine the costs and complexities of implementing a cryptographic payment system that integrates with existing financial processes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that cryptocurrency acceptance is in line with local regulations in all markets you operate in. Ferrari’s gradual rollout demonstrates the importance of this consideration.
- Financial Impact: Analyze how accepting cryptocurrency could impact your cash flow, accounting practices, and financial reporting.
- Partnership Evaluation: Consider partnering with established crypto payment processors to reduce risk and simplify implementation.
- Employee Training: Plan comprehensive training to ensure your team is equipped to handle cryptocurrency transactions and answer customer questions.
While Ferrari’s adoption of cryptocurrency payments is exciting, it’s important to consider this trend carefully.
A CFO’s decision to adopt cryptocurrency as a means of payment should be based on a thorough analysis of your company’s specific needs, risk tolerance, and strategic goals. Cryptocurrency payments may not be right for every business, but for some, they could provide a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Remember that the landscape is rapidly evolving. Stay informed about regulatory changes, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. Whether you decide to accelerate your crypto engines now or wait in the pit, keeping this payment option on your radar is critical to navigating the future of business transactions.
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Tech
Bitcoin Tumbles as Crypto Market Selloff Mirrors Tech Stocks’ Plunge
The world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), suffered a significant price decline on Wednesday, falling below $65,000. The decline coincides with a broader market sell-off that has hit technology stocks hard.
Cryptocurrency Liquidations Hit Hard
CoinGlass data reveals a surge in long liquidations in the cryptocurrency market over the past 24 hours. These liquidations, totaling $220.7 million, represent forced selling of positions that had bet on price increases. Bitcoin itself accounted for $14.8 million in long liquidations.
Ethereum leads the decline
Ethereal (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, has seen a steeper decline than Bitcoin, falling nearly 8% to trade around $3,177. This decline mirrors Bitcoin’s price action, suggesting a broader market correction.
Cryptocurrency market crash mirrors tech sector crash
The cryptocurrency market decline appears to be linked to the significant losses seen in the U.S. stock market on Wednesday. Stock market listing The index, heavily weighted toward technology stocks, posted its sharpest decline since October 2022, falling 3.65%.
Analysts cite multiple factors
Several factors may have contributed to the cryptocurrency market crash:
- Tech earnings are underwhelming: Earnings reports from tech giants like Alphabet are disappointing (Google(the parent company of), on Tuesday, triggered a sell-off in technology stocks with higher-than-expected capital expenditures that could have repercussions on the cryptocurrency market.
- Changing Political Landscape: The potential impact of the upcoming US elections and changes in Washington’s policy stance towards cryptocurrencies could influence investor sentiment.
- Ethereal ETF Hopes on the line: While bullish sentiment around a potential U.S. Ethereum ETF initially boosted the market, delays or rejections could dampen enthusiasm.
Analysts’ opinions differ
Despite the short-term losses, some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term prospects. Singapore-based cryptocurrency trading firm QCP Capital believes Bitcoin could follow a similar trajectory to its post-ETF launch all-time high, with Ethereum potentially converging with its previous highs on sustained institutional interest.
Rich Dad Poor Dad Author’s Prediction
Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-selling Rich Dad Poor Dad, predicts a potential surge in the price of Bitcoin if Donald Trump is re-elected as US president. He predicts a surge to $105,000 per coin by August 2025, fueled by a weaker dollar that is set to boost US exports.
BTC/USD Technical Outlook
Bitcoin price is currently trading below key support levels, including the $65,500 level and the 100 hourly moving average. A break below the $64,000 level could lead to further declines towards the $63,200 support zone. However, a recovery above the $65,500 level could trigger another increase in the coming sessions.
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