- Tennessee couple to pay $7 million for crypto fraud.
- Deceived 145 investors through a fake trading platform.
- No impact on major cryptocurrencies or DeFi markets.
A Tennessee couple, Michael and Amanda Griffis, have been ordered by a U.S. federal court to pay nearly $7 million for orchestrating a fraudulent crypto commodity scheme called “Blessings Thru Crypto” from 2021 to 2023.
This case highlights the ongoing risk of crypto-related fraud, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight and investor diligence in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
Michael and Amanda Griffis were ordered to pay nearly $7 million for their roles in a fraudulent cryptocurrency operation. The scheme, known as Blessings Thru Crypto, unlawfully collected funds from 145 investors over two years.
The couple falsely promised returns through a fabricated Apex Trading Platform. They operated without prior crypto experience, using their real estate connections to solicit investment under false pretenses.
Significant financial losses impacted individual investors but did not affect broader crypto markets. The CFTC and U.S. federal court intervened, stressing the need for investor vigilance.
The funds were diverted to personal and offshore accounts, with the court ordering over $6.8 million in restitution and penalties. No cryptocurrency was bought or sold through legitimate exchanges.
Similar frauds have been rising, with billions in annual losses reported. Regulatory bodies emphasize verifying credentials to protect against scams. The CFTC ensures rigorous actions to prevent market manipulation and protect investors.
Ensuring bad actors remain out of our markets is of paramount importance. This judgment demonstrates our resolve to hold perpetrators of crypto fraud accountable. — Rostin Behnam, Chairman, CFTC.
Data from past fraud cases indicates a growing trend of off-chain schemes. The CFTC commits to cooperation with agencies like the FBI for restitution efforts and fraud prevention. Vigilance remains paramount for potential investors.
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