[U: South African Prosecutor's Letter] Tangent Alert: "Fluffy Pony": Now On MCC Lockdown, In Music City -- Awaiting Hearing On Extradition / Bonding Out.

Yes, folks -- from time to time, elsewhere, we cover crypto- crime. 

So. . . this is a tangent. This guy? He's wanted on a potential five year stint / fraud allegation, in South Africa, with regard to a prior employer, from whom it is alleged he stole over $100,000, using false invoicing schemes.

We are a little concerned that "Mr. Pony" lied about a fire destroying evidence, claimed to be unable to travel due to COVID, all while he was getting a visa to travel to the US, and misrepresented the status of the charges the bank statements have gone missing from 2009, to support the supposed charge (due to a fire, at the bank)... [all as updated, from the South African prosecutor's office, last night] and the general age of the charges: now a decade on. and twice voluntarily dismissed for lack of evidence. Here in the US, that would make out a case for a pretty solid due process / statute of limitations defense. But not so, in South Africa.

The reason I will follow it in truth, will be to see if we learn anything new about the 2019 “Bad Panda Heist” of Monero, while Fluffy Pony was at the helm. We reported on that way back when. [Government’s detention memo here; defense request for pre-extradition release on bond. I doubt it will prevail.]

I’ll also follow it, since it is clear that even here state-side, the SEC is going to treat all cryptos- as Howey investment contract securities, and regulate them. So his free and easy window is closing here, no matter what. His companies in NYC and TN may no longer be able to employ him, now.

And — there is also the echo to the Virgil Griffith saga. Both of them are in federal custody, at fetid city lock-ups now — awaiting trial in Virgil’s case in September — and awaiting extradition, in the Fluffster’s case — hearing this Thursday, in Music City, on detention.

Onward, grinning… we may listen in on that one.

नमस्ते