Law enforcement agencies in the United States are continuously busting fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. On Wednesday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is one of the most widely known independent authorities in the United States. The SEC has a wide range of responsibilities, helping police markets and curbing against abuse. This includes enforcing federal securities laws, proposing securities rules, and regulating the US’ stock and options exchanges.As one of the paramount regulatory authorities in the US, the SEC is responsible for the oversight of public companies in the aforementioned segments.What Does the SEC Do?In order to achieve its obligations, the SEC enforces statutory requirements that public companies and other regulated companies submit quarterly and annual reports.Such reports are instrumental in unearthing or bringing to light any market abuse or improper action, ensuring a high degree of compliance out of market participants.These reports are also essential in maintaining the transparency of equity markets, namely private companies.Quarterly and semiannual reports from public companies are important for investors to make sound decisions when investing in the capital markets. Investment in the capital markets is not guaranteed by the federal government with such safeguards put in place to add a layer of compliance for example.The SEC is composed of five divisions: Corporate Finance, Trading and Markets, Investment Management, Enforcement, and Economic and Risk Analysis.With 11 regional offices in the US, the SEC helps police markets nationwide. In recent years the agency has also relied on additional forces for assistance as well, with the installment of the SEC Office of the Whistleblower.Founded in 2010, the SEC Whistleblower program has since awarded over $400 million to whistleblowers.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is one of the most widely known independent authorities in the United States. The SEC has a wide range of responsibilities, helping police markets and curbing against abuse. This includes enforcing federal securities laws, proposing securities rules, and regulating the US’ stock and options exchanges.As one of the paramount regulatory authorities in the US, the SEC is responsible for the oversight of public companies in the aforementioned segments.What Does the SEC Do?In order to achieve its obligations, the SEC enforces statutory requirements that public companies and other regulated companies submit quarterly and annual reports.Such reports are instrumental in unearthing or bringing to light any market abuse or improper action, ensuring a high degree of compliance out of market participants.These reports are also essential in maintaining the transparency of equity markets, namely private companies.Quarterly and semiannual reports from public companies are important for investors to make sound decisions when investing in the capital markets. Investment in the capital markets is not guaranteed by the federal government with such safeguards put in place to add a layer of compliance for example.The SEC is composed of five divisions: Corporate Finance, Trading and Markets, Investment Management, Enforcement, and Economic and Risk Analysis.With 11 regional offices in the US, the SEC helps police markets nationwide. In recent years the agency has also relied on additional forces for assistance as well, with the installment of the SEC Office of the Whistleblower.Founded in 2010, the SEC Whistleblower program has since awarded over $400 million to whistleblowers.
Read this Term) brought charges against four promoters of the Forcount Trader Systems, a fraudulent crypto pyramid scheme, for violating the anti-fraud and registration provisions. The Department of Justice brought separate criminal charges against three individuals of Forcount and the founders and promoters of another fraudulent crypto scheme, IcomTech.
IcomTech and Forcount promoted themselves as cryptocurrency mining and trading companies, promising high returns to their investors. Forcount targeted hundreds of retail investors, primarily from Spanish-speaking communities in the US and abroad, raising more than $8.4 million.
The DoJ has charged the six individuals related to IcomTech with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Three individuals of Forcount are facing charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while two have been slapped with additional charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering
Money Laundering
Money laundering is a blanket term to describe the process by which criminals disguise the original ownership and proceeds of criminal conduct by making such proceeds appear to be derived from a legitimate source.Money laundering is an issue that traverses countless industries and sectors, which includes the financial services space. Though criminal money may be successfully laundered without the assistance of the financial sector, billions of dollars’ worth of criminally derived money are laundered through financial institutions each year.This is not entirely surprising given the structure of the financial services industry and the nature of products and services offered by its participants.An ecosystem that involves the management, control, and processing of finances is inherently vulnerable to abuse by money launderers.Money Laundering ExplainedThe act of laundering is committed in circumstances in which an individual or entity is engaged in an arrangement that involves the proceeds of crime. These arrangements include a wide range of business relationships, i.e. banking, fiduciary and investment management.However, the degree of knowledge or suspicion will depend upon the specific offense but will usually be present where the person providing the arrangement, service or product knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds to suspect that the property involved in the arrangement represents the proceeds of crime. In some cases, the offence may also be committed where a person knows or suspects that the person with whom he or she is dealing is engaged in or has benefited from criminal conduct.One of the primary criticisms against cryptocurrencies has been their propensity for money laundering. Their anonymous nature and unregulated network structure make them ideally suited for money launders.
Money laundering is a blanket term to describe the process by which criminals disguise the original ownership and proceeds of criminal conduct by making such proceeds appear to be derived from a legitimate source.Money laundering is an issue that traverses countless industries and sectors, which includes the financial services space. Though criminal money may be successfully laundered without the assistance of the financial sector, billions of dollars’ worth of criminally derived money are laundered through financial institutions each year.This is not entirely surprising given the structure of the financial services industry and the nature of products and services offered by its participants.An ecosystem that involves the management, control, and processing of finances is inherently vulnerable to abuse by money launderers.Money Laundering ExplainedThe act of laundering is committed in circumstances in which an individual or entity is engaged in an arrangement that involves the proceeds of crime. These arrangements include a wide range of business relationships, i.e. banking, fiduciary and investment management.However, the degree of knowledge or suspicion will depend upon the specific offense but will usually be present where the person providing the arrangement, service or product knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds to suspect that the property involved in the arrangement represents the proceeds of crime. In some cases, the offence may also be committed where a person knows or suspects that the person with whom he or she is dealing is engaged in or has benefited from criminal conduct.One of the primary criticisms against cryptocurrencies has been their propensity for money laundering. Their anonymous nature and unregulated network structure make them ideally suited for money launders.
Read this Term and another one for making false statements.
“With these two indictments, this Office is sending a message to all cryptocurrency scammers: We are coming for you,” said US Attorney Damian Williams.
Two Ponzi Schemes
IcomTech operated from in or about mid-2018 until around the end of 2019, while Forcount was operational for a more extended period, from mid-2017 until the end of 2021. Both assured guaranteed daily returns to investors and even promised to double the investments in six months. In reality, none of the proceeds were invested; the operators paid off old investors with proceeds from new investors, making them classic Ponzi schemes.
The promoters even siphoned proceeds for using them in scheme promotions. They targeted small communities and hosted lavish expos. They flaunted their luxurious lifestyles to lure victims for investments. They even sold native platform tokens to investors.
Many investors also faced issues with withdrawals and received excuses and even hidden fees when they complained. The scheme blew up when they stopped making payments, and the promoters stopped responding to victims.
“The excitement around cryptocurrency and the potential to make huge profits attracted would-be investors to the alleged schemes run by the individuals indicted today. With high-end clothes and cars, these individuals are alleged to have presented a life of luxury to potential investors, but instead of a lucrative investment opportunity, the victims were fleeced of their savings and left with nothing to show for it,” said Ivan Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Homeland Security.
Law enforcement agencies in the United States are continuously busting fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. On Wednesday, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is one of the most widely known independent authorities in the United States. The SEC has a wide range of responsibilities, helping police markets and curbing against abuse. This includes enforcing federal securities laws, proposing securities rules, and regulating the US’ stock and options exchanges.As one of the paramount regulatory authorities in the US, the SEC is responsible for the oversight of public companies in the aforementioned segments.What Does the SEC Do?In order to achieve its obligations, the SEC enforces statutory requirements that public companies and other regulated companies submit quarterly and annual reports.Such reports are instrumental in unearthing or bringing to light any market abuse or improper action, ensuring a high degree of compliance out of market participants.These reports are also essential in maintaining the transparency of equity markets, namely private companies.Quarterly and semiannual reports from public companies are important for investors to make sound decisions when investing in the capital markets. Investment in the capital markets is not guaranteed by the federal government with such safeguards put in place to add a layer of compliance for example.The SEC is composed of five divisions: Corporate Finance, Trading and Markets, Investment Management, Enforcement, and Economic and Risk Analysis.With 11 regional offices in the US, the SEC helps police markets nationwide. In recent years the agency has also relied on additional forces for assistance as well, with the installment of the SEC Office of the Whistleblower.Founded in 2010, the SEC Whistleblower program has since awarded over $400 million to whistleblowers.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is one of the most widely known independent authorities in the United States. The SEC has a wide range of responsibilities, helping police markets and curbing against abuse. This includes enforcing federal securities laws, proposing securities rules, and regulating the US’ stock and options exchanges.As one of the paramount regulatory authorities in the US, the SEC is responsible for the oversight of public companies in the aforementioned segments.What Does the SEC Do?In order to achieve its obligations, the SEC enforces statutory requirements that public companies and other regulated companies submit quarterly and annual reports.Such reports are instrumental in unearthing or bringing to light any market abuse or improper action, ensuring a high degree of compliance out of market participants.These reports are also essential in maintaining the transparency of equity markets, namely private companies.Quarterly and semiannual reports from public companies are important for investors to make sound decisions when investing in the capital markets. Investment in the capital markets is not guaranteed by the federal government with such safeguards put in place to add a layer of compliance for example.The SEC is composed of five divisions: Corporate Finance, Trading and Markets, Investment Management, Enforcement, and Economic and Risk Analysis.With 11 regional offices in the US, the SEC helps police markets nationwide. In recent years the agency has also relied on additional forces for assistance as well, with the installment of the SEC Office of the Whistleblower.Founded in 2010, the SEC Whistleblower program has since awarded over $400 million to whistleblowers.
Read this Term) brought charges against four promoters of the Forcount Trader Systems, a fraudulent crypto pyramid scheme, for violating the anti-fraud and registration provisions. The Department of Justice brought separate criminal charges against three individuals of Forcount and the founders and promoters of another fraudulent crypto scheme, IcomTech.
IcomTech and Forcount promoted themselves as cryptocurrency mining and trading companies, promising high returns to their investors. Forcount targeted hundreds of retail investors, primarily from Spanish-speaking communities in the US and abroad, raising more than $8.4 million.
The DoJ has charged the six individuals related to IcomTech with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Three individuals of Forcount are facing charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while two have been slapped with additional charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering
Money Laundering
Money laundering is a blanket term to describe the process by which criminals disguise the original ownership and proceeds of criminal conduct by making such proceeds appear to be derived from a legitimate source.Money laundering is an issue that traverses countless industries and sectors, which includes the financial services space. Though criminal money may be successfully laundered without the assistance of the financial sector, billions of dollars’ worth of criminally derived money are laundered through financial institutions each year.This is not entirely surprising given the structure of the financial services industry and the nature of products and services offered by its participants.An ecosystem that involves the management, control, and processing of finances is inherently vulnerable to abuse by money launderers.Money Laundering ExplainedThe act of laundering is committed in circumstances in which an individual or entity is engaged in an arrangement that involves the proceeds of crime. These arrangements include a wide range of business relationships, i.e. banking, fiduciary and investment management.However, the degree of knowledge or suspicion will depend upon the specific offense but will usually be present where the person providing the arrangement, service or product knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds to suspect that the property involved in the arrangement represents the proceeds of crime. In some cases, the offence may also be committed where a person knows or suspects that the person with whom he or she is dealing is engaged in or has benefited from criminal conduct.One of the primary criticisms against cryptocurrencies has been their propensity for money laundering. Their anonymous nature and unregulated network structure make them ideally suited for money launders.
Money laundering is a blanket term to describe the process by which criminals disguise the original ownership and proceeds of criminal conduct by making such proceeds appear to be derived from a legitimate source.Money laundering is an issue that traverses countless industries and sectors, which includes the financial services space. Though criminal money may be successfully laundered without the assistance of the financial sector, billions of dollars’ worth of criminally derived money are laundered through financial institutions each year.This is not entirely surprising given the structure of the financial services industry and the nature of products and services offered by its participants.An ecosystem that involves the management, control, and processing of finances is inherently vulnerable to abuse by money launderers.Money Laundering ExplainedThe act of laundering is committed in circumstances in which an individual or entity is engaged in an arrangement that involves the proceeds of crime. These arrangements include a wide range of business relationships, i.e. banking, fiduciary and investment management.However, the degree of knowledge or suspicion will depend upon the specific offense but will usually be present where the person providing the arrangement, service or product knows, suspects or has reasonable grounds to suspect that the property involved in the arrangement represents the proceeds of crime. In some cases, the offence may also be committed where a person knows or suspects that the person with whom he or she is dealing is engaged in or has benefited from criminal conduct.One of the primary criticisms against cryptocurrencies has been their propensity for money laundering. Their anonymous nature and unregulated network structure make them ideally suited for money launders.
Read this Term and another one for making false statements.
“With these two indictments, this Office is sending a message to all cryptocurrency scammers: We are coming for you,” said US Attorney Damian Williams.
Two Ponzi Schemes
IcomTech operated from in or about mid-2018 until around the end of 2019, while Forcount was operational for a more extended period, from mid-2017 until the end of 2021. Both assured guaranteed daily returns to investors and even promised to double the investments in six months. In reality, none of the proceeds were invested; the operators paid off old investors with proceeds from new investors, making them classic Ponzi schemes.
The promoters even siphoned proceeds for using them in scheme promotions. They targeted small communities and hosted lavish expos. They flaunted their luxurious lifestyles to lure victims for investments. They even sold native platform tokens to investors.
Many investors also faced issues with withdrawals and received excuses and even hidden fees when they complained. The scheme blew up when they stopped making payments, and the promoters stopped responding to victims.
“The excitement around cryptocurrency and the potential to make huge profits attracted would-be investors to the alleged schemes run by the individuals indicted today. With high-end clothes and cars, these individuals are alleged to have presented a life of luxury to potential investors, but instead of a lucrative investment opportunity, the victims were fleeced of their savings and left with nothing to show for it,” said Ivan Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Homeland Security.
English 