In a startling revelation, a former investor has alleged that a suspected Brazilian crypto pyramid made significant donations, exceeding $122,000, to former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 2018 election campaign. The shocking claims have come to light during a parliamentary hearing as Brazil continues its investigation into several high-profile crypto pyramid schemes.

The individual making these allegations is Mateus Muller, who identifies himself as a former investor in the alleged crypto pyramid known as Atlas Quantum. Muller, during the hearing, cited his source as Carolina de Almeida Costa, who previously served as Atlas Quantum’s financial director.

According to Muller, de Almeida Costa provided him with evidence of questionable transactions, including the alleged donation to Bolsonaro’s campaign. He further asserted that this donation was routed through lawyers and individuals associated with Atlas Quantum’s board.

Muller urged the lawmakers to summon Carolina de Almeida Costa to testify, emphasizing her pivotal role as the company’s former chief financial officer. Additionally, he suggested calling Ester Braga, the ex-wife of Rodrigo Marques, co-founder of Atlas Quantum, who he claimed held a high-ranking position within the company. Muller contended that both de Almeida Costa and Braga might possess crucial information relevant to the ongoing investigation.

Jair Bolsonaro assumed the presidency in 2019 after winning the 2018 election. However, when questioned by MP Dr. Francisco Costa about the donations, Muller indicated that they were made “between 2018 and 2019” and expressed uncertainty about their official registration.

This revelation has raised eyebrows because Bolsonaro had previously disclosed to the nation’s top electoral court that he received just under $1 million worth of donations leading up to the 2018 election. However, there is no record of a single donor contributing the substantial sum of $122,000, as reported by O Globo.

Muller did not stop at implicating Atlas Quantum in these alleged donations. He also criticized law enforcement investigators for what he perceived as inadequate scrutiny of the company, suggesting that some officers might have been complicit in covering for the firm’s activities.

However, lawmakers were quick to challenge Muller’s claims, insisting that he provide concrete evidence to substantiate his allegations.

The Atlas Quantum Controversy Unveiled

Atlas Quantum, founded in 2018 in São Paulo, initially gained attention by offering an enticing proposition to investors. The company claimed to employ an automated trading bot that would execute Bitcoin transactions on behalf of investors, promising a consistent stream of profits.

However, cracks in the façade began to emerge when investors started voicing complaints about not receiving their expected payouts later in 2018. Concerns escalated, leading to a formal investigation being launched the following year.

The unfolding controversy surrounding Atlas Quantum not only casts a shadow over the cryptocurrency sector in Brazil but also puts the spotlight on the broader issues of financial transparency and political campaign financing. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen whether concrete evidence will surface to substantiate these allegations and what consequences they may carry for the implicated parties.