拍案|骗子盯上“新能源汽车”，“风口”上的投资需擦亮双眼

Core Insights - The article highlights the rise of investment scams targeting the booming "new energy vehicle" sector, particularly through fraudulent schemes involving charging stations and other related investments [1][2][4] Group 1: Scam Overview - A recent case in Haikou revealed a fraudulent scheme that illegally raised 300 million yuan (approximately 43 million USD) from over 2,000 investors under the guise of investing in "new energy vehicle charging stations" [1][2] - The perpetrators, Zhang and Gao, initially operated under the pretense of a legitimate company, "Quanjiaotong (Hainan) Energy Technology Co., Ltd," and utilized a multi-level marketing model to sell charging stations [1][2] Group 2: Modus Operandi - The scam involved creating a façade of legitimacy by associating with well-known companies and universities, as well as leveraging government policies to attract investors [1][3] - The company claimed high returns on investments, promising a weekly return of 1,115 yuan (approximately 160 USD) for an initial investment of 58,000 yuan (approximately 8,400 USD) in a charging station, leading to an annualized return rate of 200% [2][3] Group 3: Investor Manipulation - The fraudulent company employed various tactics to gain investor trust, including hosting lavish promotional events and using social media to project an image of credibility and success [3][4] - The scheme was characterized by a classic "Ponzi" structure, where returns to earlier investors were paid using the capital from new investors, creating an illusion of profitability [4][5] Group 4: Legal and Regulatory Response - The Haikou police launched a coordinated crackdown in December 2022, successfully dismantling the criminal organization behind the scam [2] - Authorities have warned the public to be cautious of high-yield investment opportunities, especially those that lack proper financial qualifications and rely on multi-level marketing strategies [5]