Crypto Trading Platform Accused of Running Fraudulent Scheme
A crypto trading platform called Mosaic Exchange Limited and its owner have been accused by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) of running a fraudulent digital asset commodity scheme. The CFTC alleges that the platform lied about its assets and track record, deceiving investors who entrusted it with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of bitcoin and other funds.
False Claims and Misappropriation
According to the CFTC, from February 2019 to June 2021, Mosaic and its founder, Sean Michael, falsely claimed that they had tens of millions of dollars in assets under management. They also promoted an algorithm that supposedly generated monthly profit margins of up to 60 percent. Additionally, they falsely claimed to have partnerships with BitMEX and Binance.
The CFTC’s investigation revealed that Mosaic had no such partnerships, and some customer funds were misappropriated for Michael’s personal expenses, including restaurant bills and travel costs.
A Deceptive Operation
The CFTC Commissioner, Kristin Johnson, described Mosaic’s operation as a “virtual house of cards.” The platform operated under the guise of engaging in futures, swaps, and leveraged spot transactions. However, it was ultimately revealed to be a sham scheme designed to deceive investors.
Hot Take: Consequences for Fraudulent Crypto Schemes
Fraudulent schemes in the crypto industry can have severe consequences for investors who fall victim to them. This case serves as a reminder to exercise caution when investing in crypto platforms. Always conduct thorough research and due diligence before entrusting your funds to any trading platform or investment opportunity. Be wary of false claims and promises of high returns. Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself by staying informed and skeptical in the crypto space.