New York Court Sentences Ponzi Scheme Promoter to 30 Months in Prison
Antonia Perez Hernandez's Role in the Forcount Ponzi Scheme
On January 27, 2025, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres sentenced Antonia Perez Hernandez, a key figure in the Forcount Ponzi scheme, to 30 months in prison. Hernandez, a Tampa resident, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the fraudulent activities that stole millions from unsuspecting investors.
The Deceptive Operation: Forcount's Promise of Guaranteed Returns
Forcount, a supposed cryptocurrency trading and mining company, claimed to offer investors the chance to double their money in just six months. From 2017 to 2021, Hernandez and others lured individuals into investing by promoting the company’s fake operations. In reality, the company did not engage in legitimate business activities. Instead, it deceived investors by giving them access to an online portal that showed imaginary profits. However, most investors were unable to withdraw any funds, and those who did received money from new investors rather than company earnings.
Mindexcoin: The Next Step in the Scam
When investor complaints began to grow, Hernandez and two co-conspirators, Juan Tacuri and Nestor Nuñez, launched a new scam involving a proprietary crypto token, “Mindexcoin.” They promised that the token’s value would rise once it was accepted by mainstream merchants.
Indictments and Guilty Pleas: A Long-Running Investigation
In December 2022, Hernandez, Tacuri, Nuñez, and others were indicted, with Forcount founder Francisley Da Silva also named in the case. The group was involved in a broader crypto Ponzi scheme, including a separate scam. Tacuri pled guilty in June 2024, and other conspirators followed suit. While Tacuri received a 20-year sentence and was ordered to forfeit $3.6 million in illicit earnings, Nuñez was sentenced to just four years for his part.
Hernandez's Sentencing: Victims Speak Out
At her sentencing, Judge Torres sentenced Hernandez to 30 months in prison, in line with recommendations from the U.S. Attorney’s office. Although Hernandez wasn’t the mastermind behind the scheme, Judge Torres noted that she played a crucial role in promoting the fraudulent token. During the hearing, victims shared their harrowing stories, describing the emotional and financial toll the scam had taken on their lives. Some victims revealed that they had lost their retirement savings, and others even experienced marital breakdowns due to the devastating consequences of the scam.
Hernandez Expresses Remorse, But Victims Seek Justice
Hernandez apologized for her actions during the hearing, expressing remorse for the pain she caused. Meanwhile, the leader of the scam, Francisley Da Silva, remains in custody in Brazil as the legal process continues for other individuals involved in the scheme.
