The Twisted Tale of Mirror Trading International’s CEO

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cryptocurrency investment schemes Cape Town

Mirror Trading International (MTI) CEO Johann Steynberg has been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons. Sentenced in Brazil for using a forged identity document, Steynberg’s story is a cautionary tale of deception, broken promises, and the darker side of the crypto world.

The Rise and Fall of MTI

MTI first attracted attention in 2020 when the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) raided its Stellenbosch offices, as well as Steynberg’s Polokwane home and Clynton Marks’ Durban residence. The company had promised investors monthly yields of about 10% on their Bitcoin investments, with additional bonuses for recruiting new members into the scheme. In December 2020, Steynberg vanished, leaving investors unable to process withdrawals. MTI eventually collapsed, and liquidation applications were filed.

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An Unlawful Pyramid and Ponzi Scheme

In April 2021, the Western Cape High Court ruled that MTI was an unlawful pyramid and Ponzi-type scheme. According to MyBroadband, MTI processed over 46,000 Bitcoin, equating to a value of R26 billion. Upon the scheme’s collapse, MTI’s accounts reportedly held 22,222.548 Bitcoin, valued at R12.6 billion, making it the largest pyramid or Ponzi scheme in South African history.

More Shocking Details Emerge

As Steynberg’s story unraveled, more shocking details emerged. While allegedly hiding in Brazil, he was found guilty of using a forged identity document and received a prison sentence of three years and six months. Court documents also revealed salacious details about Steynberg’s personal life, including allegations of two girlfriends under whose names he had purchased properties.

A Cautionary Tale

The MTI saga serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and pitfalls in the world of cryptocurrency and investment schemes. While the promise of high returns and cutting-edge technology can be enticing, there are individuals and companies who will exploit this enthusiasm for their own gain. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, it is crucial for investors to exercise caution and vigilance when encountering investment opportunities that seem too good to be true.

The story of Johann Steynberg and MTI is a potent reminder of the risks and potential consequences of unregulated and unscrupulous investment schemes. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to develop, it is essential for investors and regulators alike to be aware of these dangers and work together to ensure a safer and more transparent future for this burgeoning industry.

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Zola Naidoo is a Cape Town journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting politics and the lived realities behind the headlines. A weekend trail-runner on Table Mountain’s lower contour paths, she still swops stories in her grandmother’s District Six kitchen every Sunday, grounding her reporting in the cadences of the Cape.

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