If you thought the NFT (opens in new tab) silliness would end in 2022, you're in for a world of hurt: Aurélien Michel, the founder of Mutant Ape Planet NFTs (opens in new tab) and a French national living in the UAE, was arrested at JFK Airport in New York City on a $2.9 million He was arrested on suspicion of carpet-pulling.

According to a criminal complaint (open in new tab) unsealed last week (discovered by web3isgoinggreat (open in new tab)), Michel allegedly conducted a "rug pull" on buyers, promising them profits and rewards for purchasing NFT, but after selling off the collection He allegedly absconded with the money.

"Allegedly, Aurelien Michel executed a "rag-pull" scheme in which he stole nearly $3 million from investors for his personal use, while buyers of Mutant Ape Planet NFTs thought they were investing in a trendy new collector's item, deceived and received none of the promised benefits," wrote Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigative Service.

The 16-page complaint (opens in new tab) alleges that Michel "misrepresented the giveaways, tokens with staking features, and product collections, among other things."

The NY district attorney alleges that once the NFT sold out, _____ "ceased contact and withdrew from the company's cryptocurrency wallet He allegedly "withdrew purchasers' funds and fattened his own pockets with nearly $3 million in investors' funds.

Michel allegedly admitted to defrauding users on MAP's official Discord under the username ""James"" and said, "We never meant to lag (pull), but the community became too toxic."

"Michel can no longer blame the NFT community for his criminal conduct," said IRS Special Agent Thomas Fattorusso.

"His arrest means he will face consequences for his own actions."

As an aside, Mutant Ape Planet has nothing to do with Bored Ape Yacht Club, another monkey-themed NFT.

If you are a victim of this scam, call the HSI Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423.