Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) investment platforms in China, highlighting the risks associated with these platforms that often promise high returns but lack legal financial qualifications [5][6][22]. Group 1: DeFi Investment Platforms - A training session on DeFi module structure was held online by an organization named "ARK," with approximately 400 participants [1][2]. - The organization is promoting a blockchain investment project that will launch in mid-August, encouraging investors to use the "TokenPocket" app to access decentralized applications (DApps) [3][4]. - Various platforms are using terms like blockchain, smart contracts, and DeFi to attract investors, with some claiming annual returns as high as 540% [4][5]. Group 2: Investment Models and Returns - The investment models often involve accessing DApps through the TokenPocket app, where investors can register wallets and purchase Bitcoin for trading [4]. - For example, an investment of 6,100 USDT could yield returns of 2,624 USDT in one month, while an investment of 22,250 USDT could yield 10,530 USDT in the same period [8]. - Platforms like AID and VAX offer various investment options with claimed annual returns ranging from 180% to 540% [11][15]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Concerns - Legal experts indicate that many of these platforms operate without the necessary financial licenses, making them potentially illegal under current regulations [5][6][22]. - The promotion of high-return, low-risk investment schemes through social media and offline meetings often aligns with illegal fundraising activities [6][24]. - Recent warnings from local financial regulatory bodies highlight the risks associated with stablecoins and virtual asset investments, emphasizing the potential for fraud and illegal fundraising [7][25].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) investment platforms in China, highlighting the risks associated with these platforms that often promise high returns but lack legal financial qualifications [2][3][4]. Group 1: Investment Platforms and Models - A training session for a DeFi investment project named "ARK" attracted around 400 participants, promoting the use of the "TokenPocket" app for accessing decentralized applications (DApps) [2]. - Investment models include accessing DApps via the TokenPocket app, with some platforms claiming annual returns as high as 540% [3]. - The "ARK" project offers various investment terms, with potential returns for an initial investment of 6,100 USDT reaching up to 468,379 USDT over one year [5]. Group 2: Marketing and Promotion Tactics - Platforms utilize social media and offline meetings to promote high-yield investment opportunities, often using phrases like "stable operation" and "quick return" to attract investors [3][4]. - The promotion of these projects often involves encouraging participants to invite others, creating a multi-level marketing structure that can resemble illegal fundraising activities [4][18]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Concerns - Legal experts indicate that many of these virtual asset investment projects lack the necessary financial licenses and may constitute illegal fundraising or fraud [4][24]. - Recent warnings from local financial regulatory bodies in cities like Beijing and Zhejiang highlight the risks associated with stablecoins and other virtual asset investments [25][24]. Group 4: Specific Platforms and Their Operations - The AID platform claims a daily return of approximately 0.45%, with a monthly yield of 13% to 15% [6]. - The VAX platform offers diverse investment options with annual returns ranging from 180% to 540% across different segments [9]. - The "Global Investment Group" platform operates similarly to previous schemes, using a chat application to disseminate trading signals to investors [20][21]. Group 5: Historical Context and Comparisons - The article references the "Xinkangjia" platform, which abruptly ceased operations, highlighting the risks of similar investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns [22]. - The ongoing trend of using DeFi and blockchain terminology to mask fraudulent activities is noted, with many projects failing to adhere to legitimate decentralized finance principles [19][23].