PostedAugust 1, 2022, 5:57 PM
FranceCryptocurrency scam investigation launched
A man answering to the nickname “Crypto Gouv” would have disappeared with several million euros placed by subscribers who followed the financial advice of his YouTube channel.
The victims of “Crypto Gov” have invested from a few hundred euros to several tens of thousands in cryptocurrency and NFT.
Photo d’illustration/REUTERS
An investigation for fraud targeting a user acting under the pseudonym “Crypto Gouv” has been opened, the Paris prosecutor’s office said on Monday, confirming information from France Inter. The man is suspected of stealing cryptocurrency investments from hundreds of people. He vanished with 3 to 4 million euros, according to Me Jérémy Asta-Vola, the lawyer for four plaintiffs.
This man “created a YouTube channel in which he offered explanations on how to invest jointly in cryptocurrency and NFT projects on Discord and Telegram” (two messaging applications), explains the lawyer at the Lyon bar. “He has retained a community for several months, some investors have invested a few hundred euros and others several tens of thousands,” he adds.
He pushed cynicism so far as to announce the deception
However, on July 9, “Crypto Gouv”, following having exchanged daily with Internet users and promising lucrative returns on investments, himself revealed the deception in a video by announcing that he was leaving with the funds placed by Internet users who followed his tutorials, as well than the pain he thinks he will incur. Between 200 and 300 people would now be affected by the scam, some forty complaints having been brought to the attention of Me Asta-Vola.
Creation of an association to inform and help victims
In addition to an online discussion on Discord dedicated to helping victims of “Crypto Gouv”, the lawyer announced the creation of an association to “inform, help victims” of scams in their efforts. According to him, “one must always be perfectly informed regarding the projects in which one wants to invest and never communicate personal information to a person who is not clearly identified, in this case and even in general”. The investigation, opened in particular for fraud, was entrusted to the research section of Paris.
(AFP)