CLOUD MINING

Among the schemes most frequently reported are cloud mining or crypto-asset mining proposals, whereby investors are offered the opportunity to purchase computing capacity (hash power) or mining contracts purportedly associated with underlying technological infrastructure. In certain cases, the operational structures are represented as being located in jurisdictions regarded as particularly reliable, with the offering accompanied by images of data centres, corporate documentation, certifications, or geographical references intended to reinforce the perception of credibility.

A potential risk scheme may develop through a recurring sequence:

presentation of the opportunity → initial payment → display of purported returns on a platform → request for additional payments → restriction or suspension of withdrawals.

Indicators warranting particular scrutiny include the promise of fixed or guaranteed returns, the inability to independently verify the actual existence of the stated infrastructure, corporate information that is difficult to verify, inconsistent or contradictory documentation, requests for additional sums as a condition for obtaining reimbursement or the release of funds, and KYC/AML procedures implemented in a non-transparent manner.

The mere presence of any one of these elements does not, in itself, establish the existence of fraud. The assessment must be conducted through the independent verification of the information provided, the corporate structure, any authorisations that may be required, the contractual relationships, the financial flows and, where crypto-assets are involved, the corresponding blockchain transactions.

CERTAIN WARNING SIGNS

Guaranteed returns

The promise of high, consistent returns that are independent of market performance constitutes a factor requiring particular caution.

Infrastructure that cannot be independently verified

The purported existence of mining farms, data centres, or other technological infrastructure should be capable of verification through independent sources and reliable documentation.

Pressure to make additional payments

Requests for additional funds in order to unlock withdrawals, pay purported taxes, complete KYC procedures, or recover funds previously deposited constitute a significant warning sign.

Opaque corporate documentation

Corporate names, addresses, registration numbers, licences, or certifications should be verified directly against the relevant official sources.

Exclusively digital statements and account reporting

A balance displayed within a platform does not, in itself, constitute evidence of the actual availability of the funds or of the existence of the purported assets.

Crypto transactions inconsistent with the representations made

Where blockchain addresses are available, transaction analysis may assist in reconstructing the flow of funds and the relationships among different wallets and entities.

OUR ROLE

Where a situation gives rise to suspicion, our intervention may be directed towards the collection, preservation, organisation, and analysis of the available information, with the possible involvement of specialised technical professionals for activities requiring specific expertise.

Subject to the limits prescribed by law, the activity may include:

• verification of available corporate information;
• collection and cataloguing of documentation;
• analysis of communications and digital evidence;
• chronological reconstruction of events;
• analysis of documented financial flows;
• analysis of blockchain transactions;
• identification of relationships among legal entities, intermediaries, and wallets;
• identification of missing information requiring further verification.

The resulting findings are organised into a structured documentary reconstruction, intended for the client and, where requested, for the legal and technical professionals appointed by the client.

Our role does not consist in attributing criminal liability or making allegations against individuals or companies. Any legal characterisation, assessment as to whether criminal offences have been committed, and decision to pursue judicial proceedings fall exclusively within the competence of the competent authorities and duly qualified professionals.

Our objective is to transform risk indicators and fragmented information into documented, verifiable, and systematically organised evidence, so that such material may be properly assessed by those vested with the competence and responsibility to determine the appropriate course of further action.