Crypto Scam Promoter Pleads Guilty, Faces Up to 20 Years in US Prison

Juan Tacuri, a major promoter of the cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme Forcount, later renamed Weltsys, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the Southern District of New York. The scheme primarily targeted Spanish-speaking communities in the U.S., and Tacuri benefited significantly, amassing millions from his fraudulent activities. Scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 24, Tacuri faces up to 20 years in prison. His fraudulent activities included misrepresenting the benefits of cryptocurrency investment products offered by Forcount, which falsely promised substantial returns through non-existent crypto trading and mining. Victims’ funds were misused for lavish expenditures and promotional events, while Tacuri and other promoters manipulated investor excitement and trust to their advantage. As the scheme unraveled, Tacuri and his associates faced increasing complaints and ultimately ceased operations, leaving investors with substantial financial losses.