Moshe Hogeg has been accused of defrauding investors of $290 million in a crypto scam following a two-year investigation.
In a significant development following a two-year investigation, Israeli entrepreneur Moshe Hogeg and his associates have been formally accused of orchestrating a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded investors of a staggering $290 million. The allegations against Hogeg, a prominent figure in the Israeli business landscape, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the crypto industry and the financial well-being of those affected.
The investigation has led the national police to recommend charges against him for an array of offenses including fraud, theft, money laundering, forgery, and tax-related crimes. The police's findings have been submitted to Israeli prosecutors, who now bear the responsibility of determining whether to pursue legal actions against Hogeg and his associates.
The authorities revealed that the allegations center around misappropriation of funds collected from both Israeli and international investors during the years 2017 and 2018. The funds were ostensibly raised for the support of four failed cryptocurrency startups. Following an exhaustive inquiry that involved interviewing 180 witnesses, sifting through 900 pieces of evidence, and seizing certain assets and funds, the police contend that Hogeg and his associates channeled substantial portions of the investment for personal use rather than for the intended entrepreneurial ventures.
The evidence amassed by the police paints a picture of a sizable operation built on misleading investors. They assert that Hogeg secured a significant sum of $290 million by presenting false information, exploiting the trust of investors. In the aftermath of the investigation, police have seized valuable property valued at approximately $35 million, belonging to Hogeg and other individuals implicated in the case.
Hogeg's background as a tech entrepreneur and investor adds complexity to this situation. Notably, he has been associated with previous ventures that faced setbacks and controversies. Instances such as his involvement with the now-defunct Mobli photo-sharing application and a messaging app called “Yo”, which garnered investments from high-profile figures like actor Leonardo DiCaprio and billionaire Carlos Slim, underline his history of business ventures that have not met their promised potential.