Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy Tied to Forcount Crypto Ponzi

Juan Tacuri, a 46-year-old resident of Florida, admitted guilt to one charge of conspiring to commit wire fraud in the Southern District of New York (SDNY). This offense is punishable by a maximum prison term of 20 years. As part of his plea bargain, Tacuri consented to returning nearly $4 million to his defrauded victims and forfeiting real estate acquired using ill-gotten gains.

As a researcher investigating the case of Forcount, I uncovered promises made by Tacuri and other promoters to their investors that their initial investments in this supposed crypto mining and trading company would be doubled within a six-month period. However, based on prosecutors’ allegations, it appears that Forcount never engaged in any actual mining or trading activities. Instead, the funds from new investors were reportedly used to repay earlier investors and line the pockets of Tacuri and his associates. These individuals allegedly splurged on high-end goods and real estate with the ill-gotten gains.

According to the prosecution, Tacuri allegedly journeyed across the United States, organizing extravagant exhibits aimed at attracting potential investors. He reportedly lured them in with enticing pitches of “financial liberation” and “substantial earnings,” while flaunting his wealth through expensive clothing during these events.

In 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) brought civil accusations against Tacuri and three other individuals for allegedly breaching the Securities Act. Simultaneously, criminal charges were filed against Tacuri and his associates in New York.

Two other individuals who promoted Forcount last year were taken into custody and accused of committing fraud.

On September 24, District Judge Analisa Torres in New York is slated to hand down a sentence for Tacuri. Notably, this is the same judge presiding over the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) case against crypto company Ripple.