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Singapore Court Sentences Crypto Ponzi Scheme Mastermind To Six Years In Prison

By Akriti Seth

Last Updated: Aug 29, 2024

Fact checked

By Sam Cooling

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Disclaimer

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Crypto Ponzi Scheme
Disclaimer Icon
Disclaimer

Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.
99Bitcoins may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. All our recommendations follow a thorough review process.

On 26 August 2024, a Singapore court sentenced a key figure behind a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme to six years in prison. 

The convicted individual, Yang Bin, a 61-year-old Dutch national, orchestrated a complex Ponzi scheme that defrauded numerous investors. 

Bin Guilty On Multiple Counts Of Fraud

The defendant was found guilty on multiple counts of fraud and money laundering. 

According to local media reports, Bin pleaded guilty to six cheating charges and two charges relating to the employment of foreigners. Eleven other charges were considered during sentencing.

The court insisted the need for stringent penalties to deter similar offenses in the future.

The ruling underscores the increasing vigilance of regulatory bodies worldwide, including Singapore, in combating fraudulent activities within the digital currency landscape.

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Ponzi Scheme Promised High Returns With Minimal Risk

Operating under the guise of a legitimate cryptocurrency investment platform, the scheme promised high returns with minimal risk, a classic hallmark of Ponzi operations. 

Investors were lured by the promise of substantial profits. Later they discovered that their funds were being used to pay off earlier investors, rather than being invested in any legitimate business venture.

The operation primarily targeted individuals with limited knowledge of cryptocurrency, exploiting the general enthusiasm and curiosity surrounding digital assets. 

By leveraging sophisticated marketing tactics and exploiting social media platforms, the scheme managed to attract a significant number of investors. 

The mastermind behind the operation employed a network of agents to recruit new participants, further perpetuating the cycle of deceit.

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Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.

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Akriti Seth
Akriti Seth
Senior Editor

Akriti Seth is a Zurich-based Business Journalist and Crypto Editor. Her passion for journalism has taken her across the globe – from thriving as an on-television correspondent to writing engaging articles, she has worked for companies like Informa UK, Bloomberg... Read More

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