12 votes

Antivirus software creator John McAfee indicted on cryptocurrency fraud charges

7 comments

  1. [4]
    Wes
    Link
    I can't wait for there to be a documentary on John McAfee. The schemes, the drugs, the locales. If his life were a work of fiction, I might write it off as "too far out there".

    I can't wait for there to be a documentary on John McAfee. The schemes, the drugs, the locales. If his life were a work of fiction, I might write it off as "too far out there".

    5 votes
    1. [2]
      cfabbro
      Link Parent
      There already is one, Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee. It was entertaining, but not exactly the most credible documentary out there though... so I hope another, more serious one gets...

      There already is one, Gringo: The Dangerous Life of John McAfee. It was entertaining, but not exactly the most credible documentary out there though... so I hope another, more serious one gets made eventually too.

      5 votes
      1. Thrabalen
        Link Parent
        He's not the most credible person, so it kind of checks out.

        He's not the most credible person, so it kind of checks out.

        2 votes
    2. teaearlgraycold
      Link Parent
      Reality makes a nice compliment to fiction in cases where a lot of unrelated but individually remarkable events occur.

      Reality makes a nice compliment to fiction in cases where a lot of unrelated but individually remarkable events occur.

      1 vote
  2. [3]
    MonkeyPants
    Link
    Wire fraud. Everything is wire fraud
    2 votes
    1. [2]
      cfabbro
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      McAfee is being charged with more than just wire fraud. From the article: Also from the article: Speaking of, from last year's unsealed indictment:

      McAfee is being charged with more than just wire fraud. From the article:

      McAfee and Watson are charged with commodities and securities fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, touting fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.

      Also from the article:

      ...is currently being held in Spain, where he faces separate criminal tax evasion charges.

      Speaking of, from last year's unsealed indictment:

      An indictment was unsealed today charging John David McAfee with tax evasion and willful failure to file tax returns...

      According to the indictment, John McAfee earned millions in income from promoting cryptocurrencies, consulting work, speaking engagements, and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary. From 2014 to 2018, McAfee allegedly failed to file tax returns, despite receiving considerable income from these sources. The indictment does not allege that during these years McAfee received any income or had any connection with the anti-virus company bearing his name.

      According to the indictment, McAfee allegedly evaded his tax liability by directing his income to be paid into bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchange accounts in the names of nominees. The indictment further alleges McAfee attempted to evade the IRS by concealing assets, including real property, a vehicle, and a yacht, in the names of others.

      3 votes
      1. MonkeyPants
        Link Parent
        Everything is also securities fraud. They are both incredibly generic laws that are used when nothing more specific can be found. It's also normal for prosecutors to bring additional charges when...

        Everything is also securities fraud.

        They are both incredibly generic laws that are used when nothing more specific can be found.

        It's also normal for prosecutors to bring additional charges when a plaintiff refuses to accept a punitive plea bargain.

        1 vote