Beijing police dismantled a pyramid scheme disguised as an investment in virtual collectibles, involving an amount of over 2.8 million US dollars

ChainCatcher news, according to the Legal Daily, the Economic Crime Investigation Team of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau has publicly reported that recently, the police dismantled a gang that organized and led pyramid selling activities under the guise of investing in virtual collectibles. The case involves over a hundred participants in the pyramid scheme, with an amount involved exceeding 2.8 million USD. The police remind that any activity that requires payment of an "entry fee" under the guise of investment, encourages recruitment of new members, and uses the number of people developed as a basis for compensation is a disguise for pyramid schemes. The general public should recognize the essence of pyramid schemes and enhance their awareness of prevention.

According to police investigations, the pyramid scheme organization introduced "game rules" to the public through on-site lectures and WeChat group messages, attracting unspecified individuals to recharge and purchase under the pretext of investing in virtual collectibles, thereby earning profits and causing financial losses to many. Through the analysis and connection of police reports across the city, the police believe that this investment project is suspected of organizing and leading pyramid selling activities.

Upon investigation, it was found that the organization had a complete member registration rule, and its profit-sharing model was divided into dynamic and static types. After participants recharge, they settle using virtual currency to obtain "static dividends." In addition, members can also obtain "dynamic dividends" by developing downlines, i.e., through the "recruitment" method.

The police remind that some criminals turn "digital collectibles" and "virtual currency" into their own "wealth codes," using the concept and technology of the digital economy as a disguise to engage in illegal fundraising and other criminal activities. They attract investments and defraud money by boasting, exaggerating their value, or creating worthless "pseudo-coins." The general public should remain vigilant in their daily lives and avoid falling victim to scams.