A major crypto scandal has rocked South Korea, with popular celebrities and YouTubers accused of promoting a fraudulent blockchain sports platform called Winnerz.
A major crypto scandal has rocked South Korea, with popular celebrities and YouTubers accused of promoting a fraudulent blockchain sports platform called Winnerz. The platform allegedly issued fake cryptocurrency, lured investors with promises of high returns, and then prevented them from withdrawing their money.
Anonymous investors first brought the scheme to light, prompting them to file a complaint with the National Police Agency. The Korea Herald reported that Winnerz allegedly enlisted celebrities and YouTubers to promote the project, either by investing in Winnerz themselves or recruiting others for a commission. Images of comedian Na Sun-uk at a Winnerz year-end party fueled speculation about celebrity involvement.
One key figure of the fraudulent platform, Choi Seung-Jung, is already known for his involvement in previous crypto scams like the GDG and TYP coin frauds. This further raised concerns about Winnerz' legitimacy.
Using celebrities to promote fraudulent projects is a widespread tactic, with even international figures like Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather facing legal repercussions for such endorsements. In the Winnerz case, most celebrities have denied any connection to the platform, while others admitted to investing but distanced themselves from the alleged scam.
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