Forcount promoter Antonia Perez Hernandez sentenced to 30 months
Antonia Perez Hernandez, a key figure in the Forcount Ponzi scheme, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The sentencing took place on January 27, 2025, at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Judge Analisa Torres, who is also overseeing the SEC's case against Ripple Labs, delivered the sentence.
Hernandez was found to have played a significant role in defrauding investors of approximately $8.4 million between 2017 and 2021 by promoting false promises of lucrative returns from crypto trading and mining operations.
“Ms. Hernandez sold valueless coins,” Judge Torres remarked during the hearing, highlighting the deceptive nature of her actions.
Hernandez expressed remorse for her involvement, apologising to those who lost money due to her actions.
This case is part of a broader investigation into the Forcount scheme, which misrepresented its operations to lure investors.
Juan Tacuri, another senior promoter involved in the scheme, received a much harsher sentence of 20 years in prison in October 2024.
Another co-defendant, Nestor Nuñez, was sentenced to four years following his guilty plea around the same time as Hernandez.
The U.S. Justice Department noted that the Forcount promoters falsely assured victims that their investments would double within six months.
Instead of engaging in legitimate trading or mining activities, funds were misappropriated to pay earlier investors, characteristic of a Ponzi (CRYPTO:PONZI) scheme.
This sentencing marks one of the first significant legal actions regarding cryptocurrency fraud since changes in leadership at the Southern District of New York.
The recent shift in focus under new U.S. Attorney Donald Trump may lead to fewer resources being allocated for prosecuting cryptocurrency-related crimes.
As stated by a prosecutor, there are plans to adjust priorities in handling such cases moving forward.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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