The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Sept. 17 that the chief executive of a global bitcoin investment venture has admitted to orchestrating a fraudulent operation that deceived thousands of people around the world. Ramil Ventura Palafox, 60, who directed Praetorian Group International (PGI), pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for running what prosecutors described as a Ponzi scheme. Officials said the company’s marketing promised daily returns of up to 3% but in reality used incoming investor funds to pay earlier participants.

Court records documented the scale of the scheme: “From December 2019 to October 2021, at least 90,000 investors worldwide invested more than $201,000,000 in PGI, including at least $30,295,289 in fiat currency and at least 8,198 bitcoin worth $171,498,528.” The DOJ added:

As a result of Palafox’s actions, investors suffered losses totaling at least $62,692,007.

Prosecutors explained that Palafox designed a website that falsely reported rising account balances to maintain confidence among victims, all while channeling money toward personal luxuries.

Investigators revealed he bought 20 exotic cars worth around $3 million, penthouse hotel suites, and multimillion-dollar homes in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Officials also detailed how investor money was diverted for extravagant purchases and to enrich his relatives. “Palafox spent another $3 million of investors’ money to buy clothing, watches, jewelry, and home furnishings at luxury retailers, including Louboutin, Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Versace, Ferragamo, Valentino, Cartier, Rolex, and Hermes, among others,” the Justice Department detailed, adding:

He transferred at least $800,000 in fiat currency, plus an additional 100 bitcoin, then valued at approximately $3.3 million, to one of his family members.

Palafox awaits sentencing on Feb. 10, 2026, where he faces up to four decades in prison and has agreed to restitution of $62,692,007. A federal judge will ultimately decide his sentence after reviewing guidelines and statutory considerations.

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