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Puppies, cryptocurrency and offshore scammers: How one Kiwi became a money mule

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Puppies, cryptocurrency and offshore scammers: How one Kiwi became a money mule

Guy Behan-Kitto was involved in a scam that sold fake puppies online. Photo / ThinkStock

A man embroiled in a scam involving fake puppies, cryptocurrency and mystery offshore perpetrators has been pinged for money laundering – but he says he was a victim too.

Guy Behan-Kitto appeared in New Plymouth District Court earlier this week, facing a representative charge of money laundering relating to the scheme that ripped off multiple people of thousands of dollars.

The court heard the victims had responded to advertisements on Facebook and Buy and Sell listing puppies and car parts for sale. It’s likely the posts originated offshore.

Behan-Kitto, of Taranaki, aided the transactions by allowing the perpetrators to use his bank account to redistribute the money into cryptocurrency before it was moved overseas.

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For his involvement, he received 10 per cent of all transactions.

Each of the fraudulent transactions occurred in December 2022 and began with a $200 payment from a victim who believed she was buying a puppy.

But after the payment was made, the victim was blocked from contacting the seller and the puppy was never delivered, nor the money reimbursed.

This was the modus operandi used in five further transactions.

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They included $500 for a vehicle part, $400 for a puppy, $1000 for a puppy, $2700 for a sleepout and $460 for bullbars.

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Another transaction involved a victim receiving a text message via WhatsApp from someone pretending to be their daughter.

The victim was asked to pay $4221.45 into Behan-Kitto’s bank account with the belief that their “daughter” needed the money urgently.

After the payment was made, the victim received no further communication from the sender.

In explanation for his offending, Behan-Kitto told police that his partner was contacted by an unknown person on Snapchat asking to use her account to purchase Cryptocurrency.

But he gave his bank account to the unknown person instead, the court heard.

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Behan-Kitto appeared in New Plymouth District Court this week.

At his sentencing, the court heard from the victim who lost $1000.

She had suffered mentally and financially, she said in a statement read by a victim advisor.

“I was so excited about getting a puppy.”

The woman said the seller used a “cute” photo and provided a personal story about the dog coming from a family.

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She was angry with herself for not realising earlier it was a hoax, noting the number listed and the seller’s “pathetic spelling” and “use of the English language”.

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“I should have immediately known that this was a scam but I didn’t until I sent the money.”

She tried to have the payment cancelled but was too late.

Crown prosecutor Holly Bullock argued the full loss to each victim should be paid by Behan-Kitto, rather than only the 10 per cent he had collected from each transaction.

But defence lawyer Josie Mooney disagreed, stating while he could pay the 10 per cent immediately, he could not afford the full amount.

Behan-Kitto also felt he was somewhat of a victim, Mooney said.

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“There was a clear naivety on his behalf as to what exactly was being undertaken.”

Mooney said Behan-Kitto’s employment would suffer due to the conviction and that he felt terrible about what had happened to the victims.

“He was entirely unaware of this background, but it is accepted that he should have seen the red flags and he should have asked further questions and that’s where the guilty plea has come from.”

Judge Gregory Hikaka, however, ordered the full reparation amount.

He said without Behan-Kitto’s involvement, the victims would not be victims.

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“Your offending robbed them.”

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In addition to the reparation, Behan-Kitto was convicted and ordered to come up for sentence if called upon within the next 12 months.

Tara Shaskey joined NZME in 2022 as a news director and Open Justice reporter. She has been a reporter since 2014 and previously worked at Stuff where she covered crime and justice, arts and entertainment, and Māori issues.

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Electrocoin launches new cryptocurrency exchange platform, Electrocoin Trade

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Electrocoin launches new cryptocurrency exchange platform, Electrocoin Trade

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

Croatia’s top crypto exchange, Electrocoin, launches Electrocoin Trade, a crypto exchange platform for EU clients.

One of the biggest cryptocurrency exchange services in Croatia, Electrocoin, has recently launched their new cryptocurrency exchange platform called Electrocoin Trade, providing services for natural and legal clients in the EU.

The platform includes two core services – cryptocurrency exchange and trading service without prior registration to the platform, and cryptocurrency exchange and trading service for registered users. This way, and following the recent regulatory development in the area of crypto regulation, Electrocoin introduced the new custodial model to their service, allowing them to act as a custodian for the assets clients chose to hold on their Electrocoin Trade accounts. By registering with Electrocoin Trade, users get to entrust their cryptocurrencies for safekeeping to a highly regulated platform, as they also get access to additional trading and user experience benefits such as lower trading fees and cryptocurrency portfolio monitoring.

Regardless of the new service, Electrocoin decided to keep the old service as well – any adult citizen in the EU can buy, sell, or trade cryptocurrencies up to 1000 euros without verification or prior registration on the platform. This way, Electrocoin wanted to ensure their existing and future users had an option where they could still access crypto even if they would rather not register with the new platform. This service is possible due to regulatory approval for KYC-less money exchange under certain thresholds.

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The platform supports cross-chain transfers and coin-to-coin swaps through a variety of protocols, including ERC-20, Polygon, BEP-20, and many more. Furthermore, with the release of the new platform, Electrocoin has also introduced one new service – paying bills with cryptocurrencies. Users of the platform can use their cryptocurrencies to settle any invoice that can be paid by bank transfer within the EU/SEPA zone. That being said, utility bills such as electricity, water, or internet, or even personal expenses such as vehicles or even real estate, can be paid with cryptocurrencies – as long as the payment recipient has a bank account number.

Electrocoin was founded back in 2014 and has since become an industry leader, introducing PayCek, a crypto payment processor, in 2018. and now the new cryptocurrency exchange platform. The company is committed to communication with the regulator and today, they count over 250,000 successful transactions, along with 24/7 available customer support with an average chat response time of one minute. Electrocoin Trade positions itself as a competitor to other top-tier European cryptocurrency exchanges, with the feature enabling the cryptocurrency exchange without prior identification specifically standing out.

To get started, visit the Electrocoin Trade website.

Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any product mentioned on this page. Users must do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.

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Best Crypto Presales To Buy This 2024: What Are The Top Cryptocurrency Presales?

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Best Crypto Presales To Buy This 2024: What Are The Top Cryptocurrency Presales?

The cryptocurrency landscape is buzzing with excitement in 2024 with several groundbreaking token projects emerging through crypto presales. For those with a passion for all things crypto, spotlighting these upcoming marvels is essential to find projects to join early on. Yet, with so many emerging projects, it can be challenging to identify the best ones.

This blog post is your ultimate guide, focusing on the not-to-be-missed crypto presales of 2024. With the aid of thorough analysis and the most recent market buzz, let’s uncover the aspirations and features of the best crypto presales of 2024: ButtChain, Bitbot, WienerAI, Gas Wizard, and DarkLume.

Crypto Buyer’s Guide: 5 Best Crypto Presales in 2024

  1. ButtChain (BUTT)

The amazing new meme coin ButtChain has recently launched its presale! Crafted on the cutting-edge Polygon blockchain, ButtChain introduces two liquidity innovations that promise seamless trading:

  • Auto Liquidity: This genius mechanism automatically allocated 20% of presale funds to Uniswap, guaranteeing solid liquidity right from launch to ensure smooth trading.
  • Liquidity Farming: This nifty strategy imposes a 5% transaction fee, funneled into the Uniswap liquidity pool. A slice of this fee also fuels token burning, igniting a deflationary ecosystem that creates token scarcity. What a genius feature!

Unlike most other presales, ButtChain guarantees immediate token delivery directly to the buyer’s wallet upon purchase thanks to its Direct-to-Contract feature. This helps users avoid the typical chaos of claiming tokens at launch.

But wait – there’s more! With the Share and Earn Program, earning crypto has never felt so easy! Sign up as a referrer today and share the project with your friends to start reaping your rewards in MATIC!

  1. Bitbot (BB)

Bitbot is reshaping the trading scene. This non-custodial, Telegram-based platform marries ease-of-use with top-tier security, tailor made for privacy-minded traders.

  1. WienerAI (WIENERAI)

WienerAI is on a mission to redefine meme coins with its AI-infused strategy. It offers MEV-free swaps and predictive trading insights, thrilling both tech aficionados and pet lovers. 

  1. Gas Wizard (GWIZ)

Say goodbye to hefty crypto gas fees with Gas Wizard. This platform’s smart gas optimization hacks mean more economical transactions and a smoother trading experience.

  1. DarkLume (DLUME)

Step into luxury with DarkLume VR’s metaverse. Crafted for sophisticated adventures, DLUME currency unlocks social events, rewards, and a virtual nightlife to die for.

How do crypto presales work?

Crypto presales offer the golden opportunity for enthusiasts to snap up tokens before they hit the general market. Most of these presales frequently throw out tokens at exclusive prices or with exclusive perks, granting early birds a peek into the project’s ecosystem.

What factors should you consider in a crypto presale in 2024?

When evaluating a crypto presale in 2024, it’s essential to conduct thorough independent research and due diligence. Key areas of focus should include the project’s underlying technology, the level of support and engagement from the community, as well as the project’s capabilities for scalability and adoption in the wider market. It is also important to ensure that the project has been audited by a reputable company, like ButtChain which has been audited by SolidProof. 

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What are the Top Cryptocurrency Presales?

Based on our research, the best cryptocurrency presales of 2024 are ButtChain, BitBot, WienerAI, Gas Wizard, and DarkLume. Among these, ButtChain elevates itself with its unique blend of humor and innovation.

Conclusion on the Best Crypto Presales to Buy This 2024

ButtChain, Bitbot, WienerAI, Gas Wizard, and DarkLume shine as the best crypto presale to buy in 2024, each bringing their unique spice to the market. This analysis-rich article shines a light on the must-watch factors in these presales, arming crypto enthusiasts with precious insights. 

It’s essential to recognize the inherent risks and volatility that come with all crypto. This article is not financial advice. Caution, independent research, and diligence are paramount.For readers looking for a blend of humor and innovation, visit the ButtChain website today! Hurry – the presale price of ButtChain rises every day!

Disclaimer: This Press release article is provided by the Client. The Client is solely responsible for this page’s content, quality, accuracy, products, advertising, or other materials. Readers should conduct their own research before taking any actions related to the material available on this page. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for the accuracy of info and any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by the use of or reliance on any content, goods, or services mentioned in this press release article.

Please note that The Crypto Basic does not endorse or support any content or product on this page. We strongly advise readers to conduct their own research before acting on any information presented here and assume full responsibility for their decisions. This article should not be considered investment advice.

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Disclaimer: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic’s opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.

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Jump Crypto Faces CFTC Investigation Amid Cryptocurrency Trading Scrutiny

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Jump Crypto Faces CFTC Investigation Amid Cryptocurrency Trading Scrutiny
  • The CFTC has launched a probe into Jump Crypto, including its investment and trading activities, but has not charged the company with any wrongdoing.
  • Jump Crypto is one of the industry’s largest market makers and is behind critical market infrastructure, like the Wormhole bridge, but has been caught up in controversy over links to FTX and Terra.

The US commodities watchdog has opened a probe into Jump Crypto, one of the industry’s largest trading companies, according to multiple news reports.

The CFTC is investigating Jump Crypto’s trading and investment activity in the sector, but the agency has not disclosed the specifics of its investigation. However, both parties have clarified that the firm has not been charged with any crime, nor is the probe proof of any wrongdoing.

Jump Crypto is a subsidiary of Jump Trading, a Chicago-based proprietary trading giant. The company established its crypto outfit in late 2021 to offer its world-leading trading services to the digital assets world. Jump Crypto quickly shot up the ranks to become one of crypto’s largest market makers, facilitating billions of dollars in trading volume daily.

Besides market making, Jump Crypto has also invested in some of the industry’s largest and most successful projects. This includes participating in the $300 million raise for SUI, the $150 million round for Aptos, the $70 million round for the 0x protocol and the $55 million round for Celestia.

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Additionally, it has incubated some massive crypto projects. Its biggest success was Wormhole, a communication protocol between various blockchains that enables cross-chain exchange, governance and gaming.

Jump Crypto’s Woes

Jump Crypto’s problems started with the hack of the Wormhole protocol in which criminals exploited a security flaw and made off with $325 million in early 2022, as Crypto News Flash reported at the time. Jump Crypto relied on the financial might of its parent company to compensate the victims.

However, the blow was significant, and in November last year, it emerged that it was spinning off the Wormhole project.

Jump Crypto’s biggest problems were on its trading side. The company was caught up in the LUNA and UST debacle, in which close to $60 billion was lost after the two Terra ecosystem tokens collapsed.

It would later be revealed that Jump was one of the key allies of Do Kwon and his gang. The company was specifically accused of being used by Kwon to prop up the prices of his tokens, including ensuring that the UST algorithmic stablecoin remained pegged despite market turmoil.

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US authorities pursued Kwon, who was later arrested and jailed in Montenegro. However, Jump wasn’t charged for its part in the collapse.

Disgruntled investors have also brought up charges against the company. Last year, they filed a class action lawsuit, accusing the company of aiding and abetting fraud.

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