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Cryptocurrency Scam Targets Haitian Community in New York, Lawsuit Alleges $1 Billion Ponzi Scheme

A lawsuit filed by the New York State Attorney General’s office has accused a cryptocurrency investment platform, NovaTechFX, and its founders, Cynthia and Eddy Petion, of running a massive $1 billion Ponzi scheme targeting primarily Haitians in New York. The alleged scam, which operated through prayer groups and Creole- language social media platforms, is said to have defrauded over 11,000 investors across the state.

The Scam

According to the lawsuit, NovaTechFX presented itself as a way for people to achieve financial freedom and escape poverty. However, investigators claim that the platform was actually a sophisticated fraud scheme designed to fleece unsuspecting victims of their hard-earned money.

• The Petions, who allegedly called themselves “the visionaries” and rebranded themselves as “Reverend CEO,” used manipulative tactics to convince investors to put their trust in NovaTechFX.
• They claimed that the platform was backed by the FBI and even went so far as to fabricate stories about a mine fire in Paraguay and a fake FBI report.

The Consequences

Despite warnings from cryptocurrency experts and law enforcement, many Haitians fell prey to the scam, investing thousands of dollars in hopes of achieving financial freedom. However, as the scheme began to unravel, investors were left with nothing but empty promises and broken dreams.

• Cynthia Petion even disparaged her investors, calling them “a cult” and saying they joined the platform without doing their due diligence.
• She allegedly told one investor that people who grew up rich would never invest in NovaTechFX, implying that only those from poor backgrounds were desperate enough to fall for the scam.

The Current Situation

The whereabouts of the accused are currently unknown, although it is believed that the Petions may be living in Panama.

A Growing Concern

This latest scheme highlights a growing concern among Haitian communities worldwide: the prevalence of get- rich-quick scams targeting vulnerable individuals. Experts warn that these schemes often prey on people’s desperation and lack of financial knowledge, leaving them financially ruined and emotionally scarred.

• “Scammers are scammers… We need to educate our people about these schemes and how to avoid falling victim.” - A community leader

The Response

The New York State Attorney General’s office has vowed to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The lawsuit serves as a reminder that fraudsters will stop at nothing to get rich quick, but law enforcement is working tirelessly to bring them to justice.