Blockchain Startup Founder Indicted for Alleged Investor Fraud

According to Cointelegraph, the founder of blockchain startup Amalgam Capital Ventures, Jeremy Jordan-Jones, has been indicted by a U.S. grand jury on charges of defrauding investors out of over $1 million. The indictment, announced by the Department of Justice on May 21, includes charges of wire fraud, securities fraud, making false statements to a bank, and aggravated identity theft. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated that Jordan-Jones promoted his company as an innovative blockchain startup, but it was allegedly a sham operation. The funds from investors were reportedly used to support his extravagant lifestyle. FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia accused Jordan-Jones of deceiving investors with false claims about his company's capabilities, partnerships, and investment plans, resulting in the misappropriation of over $1 million. The indictment, filed in a Manhattan federal court, outlines that from January 2021 to November 2022, Jordan-Jones misled investors and financial institutions with fabricated documents, fake sports partnerships, and misleading claims. Amalgam Capital Ventures purportedly offered point-of-sale systems and blockchain-based payment and security solutions, but the indictment claims the firm had no operational products, few customers, and no legitimate business partnerships. Instead of investing in technology development and crypto exchange listings as promised, Jordan-Jones allegedly spent the funds on luxury vehicles, high-end vacations, clothing, and dining in Miami. Additionally, he is accused of submitting a fake bank statement to secure a company credit card, falsely claiming Amalgam held over $18 million, while the account had been closed in late 2021. The charges against Jordan-Jones carry severe penalties, with wire fraud and securities fraud each potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison per count. Making false statements to a bank carries a penalty of up to 30 years, and aggravated identity theft has a mandatory sentence of two years. The government is also seeking the forfeiture of any property or money linked to the fraud, including substitute assets if the original funds are unavailable.