The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled a CryptoFX LLC fraud that affected over 40,000 victims.
Accused of running a $300 million Ponzi scheme, CryptoFX's operations were halted, revealing a complex web of deceit aimed at unsuspecting investors.
Did you know?
Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?
Subscribe - We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!
What is a Liquidity Pool in Crypto? (Animated)
Founded in Houston in February 2020, CryptoFX presented itself as a platform for trading crypto. By September 2022 the SEC initiated an emergency action to stop all of CryptoFX's activities due to suspicions that it was operating as a Ponzi scheme.
Investigations revealed that those associated with CryptoFX misappropriated investors' money under the pretense of investing in highly promising cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
This large-scale fraud not only exploited the allure of the burgeoning crypto market but also specifically targeted the Latino community across 10 US states and two foreign countries.
Gurbir S. Grewal, the SEC's Division of Enforcement director, stated:
We allege that CryptoFX was a $300 million Ponzi scheme that targeted Latino investors with promises of financial freedom and life-altering wealth from 'risk free' and 'guaranteed' crypto and foreign exchange instruments.
The SEC's allegations include violations of several sections of the Securities and Exchange Act, demanding that the accused return the misappropriated funds and face civil penalties.
On March 14, the SEC charged 17 individuals for their roles in the fraud.
This case underscores the risks lurking in the crypto market and the SEC's vigilant stance on protecting investors. With the legal proceedings underway, the crypto community watches closely, hopeful for justice and greater security in the investment landscape.
The commission has also filed a lawsuit against Gemini and Genesis, accusing the crypto firms of offering and selling unregistered securities. A New York District Court judge has found the SEC's allegations against Gemini and Genesis plausible, allowing the lawsuit to continue.
