Crypto fraud: $30m ‘red card’ trial begins in France

As an analyst with years of experience in financial crime investigations and having seen numerous cases of fraud across different industries, I find this crypto fraud trial particularly alarming, not just for its staggering scale but also for its targeted victims – football clubs and individual investors. The extent to which these criminals exploited the trust placed in them by their victims is disheartening, especially when considering that some individuals lost significant portions of their savings.


As someone who has closely followed the evolution of cryptocurrencies and their associated challenges, I find it disheartening to see yet another major crypto fraud case unfold. With over €28 million ($30 million) in stolen funds at stake, this trial in Nancy, France is a stark reminder of the risks and dangers that come with the unregulated world of digital currencies. As someone who has invested time and resources into understanding and navigating this space, I can’t help but feel a sense of frustration and disillusionment when cases like these make headlines. It’s crucial for regulators to take action and protect investors from such fraudulent activities, as the potential for growth and innovation in the crypto industry is vast, but only if it’s built on a foundation of trust and security. I eagerly await the outcome of this trial and hope that it serves as a deterrent for would-be criminals looking to exploit the system.

Over twenty individuals are allegedly involved in a plan that aims at defrauding football teams and private investors, as reported by AFP and local sources.

The main focus of this case revolves around fraudulent diamond and cryptocurrency investments, with prominent soccer clubs like Sochaux, Angers, and Toulouse among the victims. This trial, necessitating a move to a conference center due to numerous plaintiffs, has been nicknamed “red card” due to football clubs being implicated in it.

Crypto fraud details

From various sources, it’s been claimed that from 2016 to 2018, the alleged perpetrator is said to have masterminded a scheme involving cryptocurrency fraud. This was done by creating false websites and offering attractive returns to attract more than 1,300 people.

As a crypto investor, I’ve learned the hard way that not every investment opportunity is as it seems. Recently, I found myself lured into a scheme labeled as a “diamond savings plan.” Unfortunately, I, along with many others, invested a significant portion of my savings, only to see my €400,000 vanish. A sobering reminder that due diligence and caution are essential when venturing into the world of crypto investments.

In a deceitful scheme, it was not just individuals who were targeted; even football clubs became victims. The con artists masqueraded as player agents, managing to persuade these clubs to transfer players’ salaries into bank accounts that the swindlers had set up and controlled.

In total, the clubs were defrauded of about €60,000 ($64,800), per AFP.

Approximately 850 victims are involved in these court cases, which could span over a month. The suspects allegedly created 199 bank accounts in 19 different nations for the purpose of laundering the illegally obtained funds, making it challenging to retrieve the money due to its complex distribution.

To date, they’ve retrieved approximately €2.8 million, a sum that could potentially help offset losses for some affected individuals.

Investigators claim that the suspects belonged to a coordinated group based in Israel, who aimed their schemes at senior citizens and other susceptible people.

The allegations involve criminal conspiracy and fraudulent activities within a group, where certain individuals are accused of setting up sham websites and others assisted in transferring the ill-gotten gains through multiple bank accounts.

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2024-10-22 16:46