- Manhattan resident Idin Dalpour has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly running a $43 million Ponzi scheme involving a fictitious Las Vegas hospitality business and a cryptocurrency trading operation.
- The scheme involved false promises of high returns and assurances of insured investments, which were used to cover personal expenditures and debts.
- Dalpour faces a charge of wire fraud, which could result in up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Idin Dalpour, a Manhattan resident, has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly orchestrating a $43 million Ponzi scheme involving a fictitious Las Vegas hospitality business and a cryptocurrency trading operation. This article delves into the details of the case and its implications for the crypto investment market.
Details of the Alleged Ponzi Scheme
According to the FBI, Dalpour allegedly used false promises of high returns to entice victims to invest in his purported hospitality and cryptocurrency trading enterprises. His company, Maxben Group, mentions real estate, hospitality, entertainment venues, and professional sports teams, but doesn’t appear to mention crypto trading. Instead, that was run through a separate business. Dalpour falsely represented to investors that he purchased cryptocurrency at wholesale and sold the cryptocurrency at a profit to retail investors. He also promised investors lucrative annual returns and that their money was insured. These statements were false.
Personal Expenditures and Legal Troubles
The Manhattan resident also allegedly spent $1.7 million of investors’ money to cover his personal gambling losses, more than $400,000 on Art Direct, and private school tuition for his children. Dalpour, 39, faces one charge of wire fraud, which could result in up to 20 years in prison if convicted. This isn’t the first time Dalpour has been sued in connection with his businesses. Last month, two lenders filed a complaint against Dalpour and his company for breach of contract after borrowing $2.5 million in 2023 and failing to repay it. And in September 2023, three investors filed a lawsuit claiming that he had defrauded them and breached contracts after they had invested a total of $5 million in his company over the course of several years.
Conclusion
The case of Idin Dalpour serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in the crypto investment market. It underscores the importance of due diligence and the need for investors to be wary of promises of high returns with no risk. As the crypto market continues to evolve, it is crucial for investors to stay informed and vigilant to avoid falling victim to such schemes.
