Over 30,000 investors in Spain have been impacted by the ongoing network issue.
In a shocking turn of events, a multi-million dollar cryptocurrency and NFT scam in Barcelona has come to light, implicating several high-profile football players from both Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona, including Papu Gómez, Javier Saviola, Lucas Ocampos, Nico Pareja, Ivan Rakitic, and others. The scandal centres around Shirtum Europa S.L.U., a Spanish company that promised an app for selling exclusive football-themed NFTs and launched its own cryptocurrency, $SHI.
However, the company failed to deliver on these promises, leaving investors defrauded of at least €3 million. The NFTs, priced at €450 each, have since become worthless as the app was never launched, and the cryptocurrency did not gain market value.
The players, while not the masterminds behind the scam, have come under scrutiny for publicly promoting the venture. Notably, Papu Gómez had close ties to Shirtum's director David Rozencwaig. A lawsuit filed by 12 individuals in Spain alleges fraud, embezzlement, market manipulation, asset stripping, tax fraud, and money laundering against Shirtum and its executives, including several Catalan businesspeople who allegedly disappeared after emptying the company's coffers.
The complaint, spanning 343 pages, includes 13 blockchain expert reports and the backing of finance professor Prosper Lamothe Fernández of Madrid’s Autonomous University. While none of the players have been formally charged yet, their involvement in the promotion of the failed project places them in the spotlight of this high-profile legal investigation.
This case reflects a broader trend of football-related partnerships with cryptocurrency firms, especially in Spain. However, this particular venture has ended in legal trouble for the company and reputational damage for the players involved.
As a word of caution, it is essential to approach projects promising high profits or rapid returns through complex and opaque concepts with scepticism. Transparency and the ability to confirm the real existence of the product or service are crucial. It is also beneficial to evaluate whether the project is subject to oversight or regulation by official entities, as the absence of formal supervision increases the risk of losses.
Before getting involved in any project, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate its legitimacy, platform, official records, and investor protection mechanisms. Staying informed about cases of fraud or vulnerability can help create collective knowledge and avoid similar scenarios.
High-profile celebrities, such as footballers, are often used to attract investors to such projects. However, it is important to use platforms and services with established reputations, such as certain websites, which have the backing of the community and regulatory bodies, to mitigate potential risks.
This case serves as a warning about the risks associated with projects that exploit digital technologies and use celebrities to attract investors. The Barcelona Court of Instruction No. 5 is currently investigating up to eleven suspected crimes related to the case, including fraud, tax fraud, administrative misconduct, money laundering, misappropriation, market manipulation, and false advertising.
In conclusion, it is crucial to educate oneself, verify everything, and maintain a very critical attitude to protect one's interests and avoid falling into fraudulent nets.
- The scandal surrounding Shirtum Europa S.L.U., a Spanish company that promised an app for selling exclusive football-themed NFTs and launched its own cryptocurrency, $SHI, has raised concerns about the intersection of finance, technology, and sports.
- The involvement of high-profile football players, such as Papu Gómez and Javier Saviola, in promoting the venture has highlighted the potential risks of investing in unproven blockchain projects, especially when such promoted projects lack transparency or official supervision.
- In light of the ongoing legal investigation into Shirtum and the associated fraud allegations, it is important for lifestyle investors to exercise caution when considering projects that involve digital technologies and high-profile celebrities, ensuring proper due diligence and verification of the project's legitimacy before engaging in any investment.
