Sources have alleged that Atlas Quantum, an alleged crypto pyramid, made considerable donations to the 2018 election campaign of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former President. During a parliamentary hearing, aimed to investigate the increase of crypto pyramids in Brazil, these revelations were made by Mateus Muller, a previous investor into Atlas Quantum.
According to Muller, he learned about these transactions via messages from Carolina de Almeida Costa, Atlas’ former financial director. Muller urged that this committee should summon Costa, owing to her prior high ranking position at the alleged pyramid scheme. Furthermore, he suggested that the committee should summon Ester Braga, Atlas Quantum’s co-founder Rodrigo Marques’ ex-wife, whom he alleged was an integral part of the company.
Muller’s allegations throw an articulate light on the Brazilian political scene – where Bolsonaro, elected president in 2018, allegedly received over $120,000 worth of donations between 2018 to 2019. However, there has been skepticism regarding the legitimacy of these donations as there is no official record. There is good reason for the skepticism, as Bolsonaro claimed to the nation’s top electoral court that he received donations of less than $1 million in his 2018 campaign.
In his assertions, Muller stretched further and lamented on law enforcement’s laxity in investigating Atlas Quantum’s alleged fraudulent acts. He suggested potential complicity in allowing continued operation of the firm by the authorities.
However, lawmakers have asked Muller for substantial proof to support his allegations. As the proceedings continue, the lawmakers’ investigation has also roped in other notable figures like football superstar Ronaldinho, and offices of Braiscompany, another alleged crypto scam.
While scams are part of the growing pains in a new technology industry like cryptocurrency, they illustrate the need for regulation and oversight. Yet, there’s another side to this coin. Atlas Quantum, established in 2018, lured investors with an automated Bitcoin trading bot that promised a consistent influx of profits. The allure of high returns may have clouded investor judgment.
This story highlights not just the vibrant blockchain industry in Brazil, but also its opaque nature. It’s now up to lawmakers to enforce stricter regulations and ensure the safe and secure growth of cryptocurrency markets.
Source: Cryptonews
