13 Nov German firm told to wind up cryptocoin business after pyramid scheme claims | Technology
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A German cryptocurrency company that used the former football stars Lothar Matthäus, Roberto Carlos and Patrick Kluivert to promote its products has been ordered by a German watchdog to wind up its blockchain-based business after allegations it was luring customers into a pyramid scheme.
Karatbars, founded by a Stuttgart-born former vacuum cleaner salesman, Harald Seiz, in 2011, has promised to revolutionise the world’s financial system through its internet-based currency.
The company offers online purchases of “cryptonyzed gold” tokens to prospective “affiliates”, who are then offered a commission to sign up other affiliates.
A fully licensed “cryptocurrency bank” in Miami and a Madagascar mine containing €900m (£772m) worth of gold have been cited by Seiz as his company’s assets, thus guaranteeing the stability of his currency.
Seiz claims to have raised about $100m (£78m) through sales of his KaratGold Coin (KBC).
At packed launch events in Cape Town and…
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