Scammers Stole $360 ​​Mln on Pseudo Crypto Investments, Arrested in Brazil

The Brazilian police arrested a criminal group that organized a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme. Paraná State Police investigated criminal activity in São Paulo, Curitiba and other cities. During the police operation, nine people were arrested.

According to the state government, fraudsters appropriated about 1.5 Bln Brazilian reais ($359 Mln), deceiving about 5,000 citizens, promising high interest for investments in cryptocurrencies. Criminals attracted victims via social networks. A four-month investigation ended last Thursday when police charged the suspects with fraud, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and forgery.

The Brazilian government still remains wary of cryptocurrencies — whether they are used for criminal purposes or not. Earlier in June, President Jair BOLSONARO spoke negatively about cryptocurrencies on national television, while the former head of the country's central bank, Ilan GOLDFEIN, compared Bitcoin to the “pyramid scheme” during his tenure.

Image courtesy of Bitcoin Exchange Guide