Safemoon Founders Indicted for Securities Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Money Laundering
The founders of cryptocurrency Safemoon, Braden John Karony, Kyle Nagy, and Thomas Smith, have been charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The charges stem from their alleged misappropriation of millions of dollars of investor funds. Karony was arrested in Provo, Utah, while Smith was arrested in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Nagy is currently at large.
Deception and Misuse of Investor Funds
According to the indictment, the defendants deceived Safemoon investors about the use of “locked” liquidity and their personal holdings and trading of the token. As Safemoon’s market capitalization exceeded $8 billion, they allegedly diverted millions of dollars’ worth of locked tokens for personal purchases such as luxury cars, real estate, and personal investments.
Prosecutors Vow to Pursue Digital Asset Fraudsters
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that the defendants deliberately misled investors and used their scheme to enrich themselves. He emphasized that as fraudsters increasingly exploit digital assets to deceive investors and misappropriate funds, his office will be at the forefront of pursuing them and recovering their ill-gotten gains.
Fraudulent Claims and Personal Gain
The indictment alleges that the defendants falsely claimed that locked Safemoon liquidity pools would prevent insider “rug pulls” and not benefit developers. However, the Department of Justice asserts that the defendants retained access to divert funds for personal gain by buying and selling Safemoon despite denying ownership of the token.
Theft Disguised as a Complex Scheme
IRS Criminal Investigation special agent-in-charge Thomas Fattorusso described the fraud scheme as complex but ultimately resulting in theft. He stated that while investors were promised the safety of their funds, the defendants allegedly misled them and used millions of dollars to enrich themselves.
Charges and Presumption of Innocence
The charges against Karony, Nagy, and Smith include conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. However, they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The case is being handled by the DOJ’s Eastern District of New York’s Business and Securities Fraud Section.
Crypto Market Reacts
Following the publication of the news by the DOJ, the value of Safemoon (SFM) dropped by more than 11%.
Hot Take: Safemoon Founders Face Legal Consequences for Alleged Fraud
The indictment and arrests of Safemoon founders Braden John Karony and Thomas Smith, with Kyle Nagy still at large, reveal serious allegations of securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The defendants are accused of deceiving investors and misappropriating millions of dollars for personal gain. This case highlights the importance of transparency and investor protection in the cryptocurrency industry. As digital assets continue to attract attention from fraudsters, law enforcement agencies are committed to pursuing these criminals and recovering stolen funds. The drop in Safemoon’s value following these developments underscores the impact such legal actions can have on the market.
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