South Africa Charges Former Monero Lead Developer With 378 Counts of Fraud and Forgery

Riccardo Spagni, former lead maintainer of Monero, faces more than 370 counts of fraud, forgery, and enforcement. The charges against the developer stem from fraud allegedly committed while he was still employed by Cape Cookie.

Fluffypony Pleads Not Guilty

Riccardo Spagni, a so-called crypto tycoon and former Monero lead developer, has reportedly been charged by the South African government with 378 counts of fraud. The indictment follows allegations that Spagni defrauded his former employer out of more than $93,500 (R$1,453,561). The crimes allegedly took place between October 2009 and June 2011.

As Bitcoin.com News previously reported, Spagni was arrested in Tennessee by U.S. law enforcement. The lead maintainer’s arrest stems from a warrant issued by a South African court when Spagni, also known as “Fluffypony,” failed to make a routine court appearance.

This led to the situation. According to one reportAccording to one report, the former Monero lead maintainer would then ensure that the funds were transferred to a bank account that he controlled. Once paid, Spagni would remit the actual amount owed to the supplier and retain the balance.

Spagni waives right to delivery hearing

According to court documents filed in May 2022, the former developer now faces 126 counts of fraud or violation of VAT laws. He also faces “126 counts of forgery [and] 126 counts of exercise.” Attempts by Spani’s attorneys to have the documents removed from the record have reportedly been rejected by the U.S. courts.

Meanwhile, the revelation of the South African government’s charges against Spani came just days after the former Monero maintainer reportedly waived his right to an extradition hearing. In an affidavit reportedly filed on May 25, Spani also allegedly asked the U.S. court to expedite his extradition to South Africa.

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