Juan Tacuri, a leading promoter behind the Forcount cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in New York. This plea is part of an agreement that includes forfeiting nearly $4 million and real estate purchased with victim funds.

The United States Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York announced on June 5 that Tacuri played a significant role in the scheme, which defrauded investors of $8.4 million, primarily targeting Spanish-speaking individuals globally. Tacuri was described as one of the scheme's most successful promoters, having amassed millions from his involvement.

The fraudulent scheme promised investors lucrative returns from purported cryptocurrency trading and mining operations, including claims of doubling their initial investments within six months. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated, "With this guilty plea, Juan Tacuri is being held to account for taking advantage of retail investors and selling them a fabricated investment opportunity."

Tacuri is scheduled for sentencing on September 24, 2024, by Judge Analisa Torres, who has experience with cryptocurrency-related cases. The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Tacuri, along with Francisley Da Silva and Antonia Perez Hernandez, was charged in December 2022 for their roles in the scheme, which operated from 2017 to 2021. While Tacuri has pleaded guilty, Da Silva and Hernandez have not been convicted or entered guilty pleas.

Prosecutors highlighted that Tacuri spent victim funds on luxury goods and real estate. He traveled across the U.S. hosting extravagant expos and community presentations to attract investors, promoting financial freedom and showcasing his wealth from the scheme. Victims were convinced to join Forcount’s portal, where they saw fictitious profits accumulate. However, many were unable to withdraw these "profits," ultimately losing their investments. Those who managed to make withdrawals faced numerous obstacles, including excuses, delays, and hidden fees.

To sustain the scheme, Forcount introduced a cryptocurrency called “Mindexcoin,” which Tacuri falsely claimed would increase in value as companies began accepting it for goods and services. This assertion was untrue and led to further financial losses for victims.

Williams emphasized the commitment of his office to pursue Ponzi schemers, particularly those targeting financially vulnerable individuals. "This Office will not stop pursuing Ponzi schemers like Tacuri, particularly where they target regular, working people who are in dire straits financially," Williams concluded.