The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced several indictments against six individuals from four separate investigations involving alleged cryptocurrency-related fraud.
According to a June 30 news release, federal law enforcement partners such as Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Reserve Board and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation were essential to this endeavor.
"This investigation and prosecution exemplify the importance of public-private partnerships. As a result of our strong relationships with industry partners, HSI received information leading to this investigation and ultimate indictment," HSI Executive Associate Director Steve K. Francis said in the release. "HSI will continue to investigate criminal organizations operating in emerging technologies and are proud to have worked with the Department of Justice Fraud Section to put an end to this criminal activity."
According to the release, Le Anh Tuan, 26, has been indicted for wire fraud and money laundering in relation to the "Baller Ape" non-fungible token. Emerson Pires, 33; Flavio Goncalves, 33; and Joshua David Nicholas, 28, have been charged with wire fraud and securities fraud in relation to an international cryptocurrency-based Ponzi scheme. Michael Alan Stollery, 54, has been charged with securities fraud for his involvement in an ICO-related cryptocurrency fraud scheme. David Saffron, 49, has been charged with wire fraud, commodities fraud, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The release also noted one of these cases involved the "largest known non-fungible token scam to date."
"The Department of Justice and our partners are dedicated to using every available tool to protect consumers and investors from fraud and manipulation," Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, stated, according to the release. "These indictments reflect our deep commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in cryptocurrency fraud and market manipulation."
