Mirror Trading International founder is arrested in Brazil
Johann Steynberg of the crypto Ponzi Scam "Mirror Trading International (MTI)" was arrested in Brazil a few days ago after disappearing with almost 29,000 BTC
This was another large-scale arrest. A few months ago, Claudio Oliveira of the Bitcoin Banco group also ended up behind bars for the disappearance of 7,000 Bitcoin from his investors in 2019.
Brazil scores another point against crypto fraud
Johann Steynberg managed to defraud thousands of people around the world after creating a Ponzi scheme and promising returns of up to 10%. Initial estimates are that Steynberg's company stole more than 29,000 bitcoin.
Johann Steynberg was arrested in Goiânia, the capital of the Brazilian state of Goiás. According to an official press release from the Goiás government, the arrest was made as a result of coordination between local forces, the Brazilian Federal Police and Interpol.
Apparently, Brazilian law enforcement authorities received information that Johann Steynberg was in the country after fleeing South Africa in 2020 following the collapse of the Mirror Trading International platform.
According to Rapid Intervention Group commander Raimundo Coelho Pinto Júnior, the intelligence work lasted about a month. After this time, the police managed to locate Johann Steynberg, several false identities, electronic equipment, several notes with helpful information, credit cards, laptops and other valuables were confiscated.
"Our police officers began a thorough search of the suspect and, after intensive work carried out for about a month, we were able to identify and get closer to the subject. The Federal Police and Interpol were already aware of our investigation. So we intervened to execute an international arrest warrant and prosecute the crime". The offender was arrested and put behind bars on charges of using false documentation.
How the Ponzi scheme worked
Mirror Trading International (MTI) advertised itself as an investment platform that promised high investment returns.
The platform was founded in South Africa in 2019 and promised guaranteed returns of around 10% per month. At its peak, it had 170,000 clients worldwide, managing more than $1 billion in assets.
When customers began to report that MTI had blocked their balances, the authorities launched an investigation after repeated complaints. Johann Steynberg disappeared soon after, leading to an Interpol alert.
Brazilian authorities and Interpol arrested Steynberg on New Year's Eve.
12/01/2022 - Mr.Advice NEWS
