Forcount
A global crypto Ponzi/pyramid scheme (later rebranded 'Weltsys') that the DOJ and SEC say defrauded thousands of mostly Spanish-speaking investors of ~$8.4M with promises of guaranteed returns from nonexistent crypto mining and trading. Senior promoter Juan Tacuri got the 20-year statutory maximum.
Also known as: Forcount, Weltsys, Forcount Trader Systems
Summary
Forcount Trader Systems (later "Weltsys") sold "memberships" promising guaranteed daily returns and the doubling of investments within six months from purported crypto trading and mining. Per the SEC and DOJ, no real trading or mining occurred — it was a Ponzi/pyramid scheme (2017–2020) that took in about $8.4 million from thousands of mostly Spanish-speaking investors, with a referral program incentivizing recruitment. [1][2]
People and outcome
The SEC charged Brazilian creator Francisley Valdevino Da Silva and U.S. promoters Juan Tacuri, Ramon Perez, and Jose Coronado in December 2022. Tacuri — a top promoter who spent proceeds on Florida real estate and luxury goods — pleaded guilty to wire-fraud conspiracy and, on October 15, 2024, was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 240 months (20 years), with ~$3.6 million in restitution and forfeiture. [1][2]
Bracketed numbers refer to the numbered sources listed below.
People & entities involved
- Juan TacuriSenior promoterIndividualsA senior promoter of the Forcount (Weltsys) crypto Ponzi scheme. He pleaded guilty to wire-fraud conspiracy and, in October 2024, received the 20-year statutory maximum sentence plus ~$3.6M restitution.
- Francisley Da SilvaCreatorIndividualsBrazilian national whom the SEC and DOJ identify as the creator of Forcount Trader Systems, the ~$8.4M crypto Ponzi/pyramid scheme. Charged civilly and criminally in 2022.
Sources (2)
- Senior Promoter in Forcount Cryptocurrency Ponzi Scheme Sentenced to 240 Months — U.S. DHS / HSI (DOJ)
- SEC v. Da Silva, et al. (Forcount) — litigation release — U.S. SEC
See also
- Bitcoin Latinum (LTNM)TokensA ~$16M token offering (SAFTs for 'Bitcoin Latinum' / LTNM) that the SEC charged in 2026 as fraud: founder Donald Basile falsely called LTNM 'the world's first insured digital asset' backed by an 'existing trust,' neither of which existed, and diverted investor funds for personal use (including a $160,000 horse).
- Loci (LOCIcoin)TokensA 2017–2018 ICO for 'LOCIcoin' tied to the InnVenn IP-search platform. The SEC charged Loci and CEO John Wise with fraud for raising $7.6M on false claims about revenue, headcount, and user base; Wise also misused investor funds. Settled with a $7.6M penalty and an officer/director bar.
- Blockchain Terminal (BCT)Tokens
This page was last updated on Jun 8, 2026. View revision history.