Five Individuals Prosecuted in Paris for Bored Ape Yacht Club Scam

Prosecution of BAYC Scam Participants in Paris

French authorities have indicted five individuals involved in a phishing scam targeting Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFT holders. The scam, uncovered with the help of crypto investigator ZachXBT, involved fraudulent animation services offered through BAYC's official Discord channel.

Phishing Scheme and Its Impact

The scammers promised to animate users' BAYC NFTs but instead stole the assets. The scheme, operational between 2021 and 2022, also targeted Azuki and Doodles collections, with stolen NFTs including some of the most valuable Bored Apes.

Role of ZachXBT in Uncovering the Scam

ZachXBT's on-chain analysis was pivotal in identifying the scam, leading to the investigation by the Central Office for the Fight against Crime Related to Information and Communication Technologies (OCLCTIC). His findings linked the crypto fund flow to key figures Mathys and Camille.

Investigation and Charges

The investigation, initiated in August, revealed a network where two individuals managed the website and marketing, while three others handled advertising and money laundering. The OCLCTIC's deputy director, Christophe Durand, acknowledged ZachXBT's crucial role in triggering the probe.

This case highlights the growing need for vigilance in the NFT space and the importance of community efforts in combating fraud.