U.S. Indictment Reveals Orchestrated Money Transmitting Business
In a U.S. indictment against Chris Scanlon, Christopher Scanlon orchestrated a network of entities including PMA Media Group Inc., AU Card LLC, AU Card Ltd., and FCA-regulated e-Money Institution Nvayo Ltd to function as a money transmitting business. While serving as a customer service representative for high-net-worth clients of Aurae Lifestyle, Scanlon directed these entities to execute financial transactions through U.S.-based banks and crypto firms. It’s important to note that during this period, Aurae Lifestyle operated as an unregistered money transmitting business under the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCen).
FinTelegram FinTelegram exposed CoinX that the Aurea Lifestyle scheme also comprises CoinX Inc., a U.S. registered cryptocurrency provider and issuer of the CoinX token. Public representations tie FCA-regulated Nvayo Ltd to the CoinX token’s operations. Club Swan, described on the website as offering concierge services and issuing debit cards through AU Card LLC via Nvayo Ltd, is also part of this network.
On June 2, 2023, Chris Scanlon appeared in New Jersey and was released on a secured appearance bond of $5 million, subject to home detention with monitoring in a New Jersey residence.
Regulatory Actions and Ongoing Investigations
While the website claims Club Swan would be FCA-regulated, it’s been revealed that FCA imposed significant restrictions on Nvayo Ltd, the entity it oversees, on August 8, 2023. Nvayo Ltd‘s activities, including moving funds for itself and its customers, now require explicit FCA approval. The regulatory body’s ongoing investigations may uncover further irregularities.
Facilitating Ponzi Schemes
The Aurea Lifestyle and Club Swan network played a role in facilitating known Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) Ponzi schemes such as BitClub Network, GSPartners, PLC Ultima, and My Daily Choice. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted five BitClub Network operators, alleging a Ponzi scheme that defrauded members of $722 million.
Club Swan and Nvayo Ltd also reportedly managed the GSLifestyle debit card for Josip Heit‘s GSPartners scheme until September. The controversial GSPartners allegedly targets U.S. residents with unrealistic promises of super-high returns.