Unchained

Is Quadriga's Gerald Cotten Still Alive? The 'Exit Scam' Podcast Aims to Answer - Ep.248

Jun 22, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Aaron Lammer, author and host of the Exit Scam podcast, dives into the perplexing story of Gerald Cotten, the founder of QuadrigaCX. He reveals Cotten's shady background as a Ponzi scheme operator and the red flags that customers overlooked. The conversation spirals into Cotten's mysterious death on his honeymoon, his dubious financial maneuvers, and speculations on whether he faked his demise. Aaron raises questions about a potential exhumation and the implications for the vanished cryptocurrency, making for a riveting exploration of trust and deceit.
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ANECDOTE

QuadrigaCX Collapse

  • QuadrigaCX, Canada's largest Bitcoin exchange, collapsed after founder Gerald Cotten's death.
  • Cotten's death in India raised questions when he seemingly hadn't left behind passwords to cold storage wallets.
INSIGHT

Cotten's Pre-Bitcoin Past

  • Gerald Cotten had a background in pre-Bitcoin digital currencies, running Ponzi schemes as a teenager.
  • He transitioned to Bitcoin exchanges, leveraging his experience with platforms like Liberty Reserve.
ANECDOTE

Early Ponzi Schemes

  • Cotten's early scams involved high-yield investment programs on forums like Potgold.
  • He'd collect investments via digital currencies then disappear with the funds.
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