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The Download: a “God-driven” cryptocurrency and a solar engineering roadmap

Eli and Kaitlyn Regalado face legal scrutiny after their cryptocurrency project, INDXcoin, collapsed, resulting in over 500 investors losing more than $3 million in a religiously marketed fraud scheme.

Key Points

  • Eli and Kaitlyn Regalado promoted INDXcoin to evangelical Christian communities, claiming divine guidance for the project.
  • The cryptocurrency venture collapsed within one year, leaving investors with total financial losses exceeding $3 million.
  • The Regalados testified in court that they believed they were directed by God to initiate a "wealth transfer" through the digital coin.
  • The case highlights the risks of affinity fraud, where perpetrators exploit shared religious or social beliefs to gain trust and solicit investments.

Why it Matters

This case underscores the growing vulnerability of niche communities to sophisticated financial scams disguised as faith-based opportunities. It serves as a cautionary example of how digital asset platforms can be weaponized to exploit personal trust for significant illicit gain.
MIT Technology Review Published by Thomas Macaulay
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