Former lawyer and crypto influencer Joseph Lam has been apprehended by the Hong Kong Police for allegedly associating with troubled cryptocurrency alternate JPEX. An area media outlet reported, citing sources accustomed to the case, that the police arrested Lam on Monday, September 18.
JPEX And Influencers Falsely Promoted Unregistered Merchandise
Joseph Lam’s arrest comes amid a heated investigation by Hong Kong authorities into the JPEX alternate following its liquidity crunch. In accordance with reviews, the police raided his workplace and confiscated some containers containing proof of Liam’s connection to JPEX.
In the meantime, on Saturday, the influencer instructed his over 190,000 Instagram followers that he visited the police on Friday. He stated he provided the police details about the crypto platform. Additionally, he urged these affected by JPEX’s liquidity crunch to name a police hotline arrange for reporting losses.
The continuing police investigation into crypto alternate adopted a warning from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Fee (SFC). On September 13, the SFC said the alternate illegally promoted its services and products to the general public utilizing social media influencers.
Moreover, the regulator alleged that JPEX and its influencers falsely introduced the platform as a duly registered alternate in Hong Kong. As well as, the regulator warned traders to remain cautious about funding alternatives that seem deceptive or too interesting.
JPEX Halts Operations Citing Liquidity Challenges
JPEX has suspended buying and selling actions on its platform following the SFC’s investigation. In a September 17 weblog, it announced plans to halt some operations, citing liquidity points with third-party market makers.
It said:
Not too long ago, as a result of unfair therapy by related establishments in Hong Kong towards JPEX, […], and a sequence of unfavourable information, our partnered third-party market makers have maliciously frozen funds.
In accordance with the alternate, the market makers restricted its liquidity and considerably elevated working prices, leading to operational challenges. Subsequently, it elevated withdrawal charges with plans to readjust when issues return to regular.
Moreover, it disclosed plans to delist all transactions from its Earn Buying and selling interface by Monday, September 18. In consequence, customers can now not place new Earn orders. Nevertheless, it can permit present Earn orders to proceed, however can solely obtain rewards till the tip date.
In the meantime, on Saturday, Hong Kong police said it obtained over 83 complaints about JPEX and property price $4.three million. Some customers complained about difficulties withdrawing funds, with massive sums held again on JPEX as processing charges.
In accordance with the report, the police commissioner, Raymond Siu Chak-yee, stated the SFC filed a report over suspected fraud. He added that the Industrial Crime Bureau was investigating the matter, and the police inspired different victims to lodge their complaints.
Featured picture from Pixabay and chart from TradingView.com
