Former Monero lead maintainer, Riccardo Spagni, faces more than 370 counts of fraud, forgery and solicitation. The allegation against the developer stems from fraudulent activities while he was employed by Cape Cookies.
FluffyPony pleads not guilty
Ricardo Spagni, the so-called crypto mogul and former lead developer of Monero, has been charged with 378 counts of fraud by the South African government, a report said. These allegations follow allegations that Spagni defrauded his former employer of more than $93,500 (R1,453,561). The crimes have taken place between October 2009 and June 2011.
As previously reported by Bitcoin.com News, Spagni was arrested by US law enforcement in Tennessee. The chief escort’s arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by a South African court when Spagni, also known as “Fluffypony”, failed to appear in a regular courtroom.
Spagni, who has since pleaded not guilty to the charges, is accused of defrauding his former South African employer Cape Cookies by increasing the amount owed to the supplier. According to a report, the former Monero lead maintainer would then ensure that the funds would be transferred to a bank account controlled by him. Once the payment is made, Spagni will transfer the actual amount that was due to the supplier and retain the balance.
Spagni waives right to extradition hearing
According to court documents filed in May 2022, the former developer is now facing 126 cases of fraud or violation of the VAT Act. He also faces “126 counts of forgery”. [and] 126 counts of speaking.” A report said that attempts by Spagni’s lawyers to remove the documents from the record were reportedly rejected by a US court.
Meanwhile, the South African government’s allegations against Spagni were revealed days after Monroe’s former escort reportedly waived his right to an extradition hearing. Furthermore, reportedly in an affidavit filed on May 25, Spagni is said to have asked a US court to expedite his extradition to South Africa.
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