iPhone Ponzi scheme in Iran: $36 million heist!

In Iran, following the ban on new iPhone models, a situation that emerged as consumers turned to older models has been described as a case where people became victims of a Ponzi scheme.

According to a report by Emre Ömer Zehir from Webtekno, in Iran, which is under strict sanctions, the government had banned the consumption of luxury US goods. The latest iPhone models, which could not be sold in the country, caused a crisis because even if they were smuggled in, they could not receive service from operators. This situation suddenly increased the demand for older iPhone models. An opportunist used this situation to pull off a $36 million heist.

In 2021, a huge demand for iPhone models began in the country. The price of iPhone models in good condition, in particular, reached levels of $1,300. Along with the inflation in the country, the fact that the public wanted to buy everything they could instead of keeping their money in rials influenced this situation.

An individual who saw this as an opportunity founded a company called Kourosh. The company's promise was quite simple. Payment was made for a new iPhone, a waiting period followed, and then the requested device was delivered. Initially met with skepticism, this company became quite popular after delivering the first smartphones.

According to reports, consumers who complained after the company stopped delivering phones applied to the court. The company's CEO, Amir Hossein Sharifan, allegedly left Iran in September and took $36 million with him. While the Iranian police stated that investigations into the matter are ongoing, the dreams of consumers waiting for iPhones were dashed.

News Source: Webtekno