Jailed Mastermind of South African Bitcoin Scam Reportedly Getting Preferential Treatment in Brazilian Prison

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Johann Steynberg, the imprisoned CEO of Mirror Trading International, a South African Bitcoin scam entity, is allegedly receiving preferential treatment in a Brazilian prison. The General Directorate of Penitentiary Administration (DGAP) has confirmed receiving a complaint about Steynberg’s access to a computer and the internet from inside the office of a Brazilian prison warden.

Steynberg’s Meetings With Lawyer and Wife Held in Prison Warden’s Office

Johann Styenberg, the jailed mastermind of the online bitcoin investment scam Mirror Trading International (MTI), has reportedly accessed a computer and the internet while detained in a Brazilian prison. According to a local report, Steynberg has allegedly used the computer to access the internet from inside the Goiás prison warden’s office.

In addition to using the warden’s office to access the internet, the MTI mastermind is also accused of rendezvousing with his “wife” and lawyer in this office.

As previously reported by Bitcoin.com News, Steynberg has been in detention since his arrest in December 2021 for using forged identity documents. A Brazilian court has since sentenced the CEO of the collapsed bitcoin scam entity to three and a half years in prison for the crime. However, Steynberg, who faces extradition to either the U.S. or South Africa, has appealed the ruling.

General Directorate of Penitentiary Administration Receives Complaint

The fresh allegations against Steynberg, who fled South Africa in late 2020, were reportedly made by Maxsuel Miranda das Neves, the president of the Union of Servers of the Penal Execution System (SINSEP-GO) in the State of Goiás. In a video shared via Instagram, Miranda das Neves said he has since asked the director general of the prison to investigate the matter.

The SINSEP leader said he plans to raise this matter with the FBI, Interpol, the U.S. Embassy, and the Brazilian judge who is handling Steynberg’s fake documents case.

A report by Portal da Bitcoin has stated that the General Directorate of Penitentiary Administration (DGAP) has confirmed receiving Miranda das Neves’ complaint.

“The Criminal Police has reaffirmed that the fact is being investigated seriously and with commitment to the legislation. At the end of the investigation, the result will be announced. Finally, DGAP reiterates its belief in the serious and honest work of the employees of this institution, who have done a lot for public security in the State of Goiás,” the DGAP reportedly said.

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