South Africa Investigates $80 Million Bitcoin Scam

South Africa Investigates $80 Million Bitcoin Scam
Bitcoin.com buttons are seen displayed on the floor of the Consensus 2018 blockchain technology conference in New York City, New York on May 16, 2018. Mike Segar/Reuters
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JOHANNESBURG—South African authorities are investigating an alleged cryptocurrency scam that defrauded investors of 1 billion rand ($80 million) with promises of huge returns that never materialized, police said on Friday.

The fraud investigation involves a company named BTC Global, which told clients they would earn 2 percent per day, 14 percent a week and 50 percent in a month, the police said.