The cryptocurrency exchange Debiex is facing an investigation by U.S. regulators, who claim that key staff members intentionally engaged in romantic relationships with potential customers to deceive them and unlawfully obtain their funds.
In an official statement released on January 19, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) asserted that Debiex employees misled potential customers by building trust through romantic involvement before persuading them to open accounts with the crypto exchange.
Despite assuring customers that their funds would be invested in cryptocurrency, Debiex is accused of diverting the funds for personal gain rather than the promised investment in the crypto market.
The document stated, “The CFTC’s complaint alleges Debiex’s unidentified officers and/or managers cultivated friendly or romantic relationships with potential customers by communicating falsehoods to gain trust and then solicited them to open and fund trading accounts with Debiex.”
Over two years, despite only identifying five victims, the regulatory body asserts that a pig butchering scheme resulted in the theft of over $2 million.
According to their statement, Debiex is accused of accepting and misusing approximately $2.3 million from around five customers between March 2022 and the present.
As Valentine’s Day approaches in a few weeks, people are advised to exercise caution, particularly around February 12, and to be vigilant when it comes to linking crypto wallets or registering for crypto services through romantic associations.
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