Guardian investigation reveals forgeries and shady background
The identity of Steven Reece Lewis, alleged CEO of now-defunct cryptocurrency hedge fund HyperVerse, has long been shrouded in speculation on social networks. Rumors calling him a โfake personโ gained momentum, particularly when HyperVerse faced accusations of operating a pyramid scheme. The Guardian's recent investigation has shown credit to claims that no organization listed on Reece Lewis' resume can substantiate its existence.
The fall of HyperVerse and consumer losses
HyperVerse's demise came in the wake of allegations of pyramid fraud, leading the company to halt withdrawals. The fallout led to blockchain analysts estimating that consumer losses would exceed $1.3 billion in 2022, with thousands of people reportedly losing millions, according to The Guardian.
Questionable qualifications and falsified academic records
The Guardian's investigation into Reece Lewis' qualifications exposed a network of forgeries designed to lure investors into the HyperVerse. The universities Lewis claimed to have attended, the University of Leeds and the University of Cambridge, denied any record of his enrollment. Similarly, questions were raised about her career path, and companies such as Adobe and Goldman Sachs found no evidence of transactions involving Reece Lewis.
Presence on social networks and influencer support
The investigation extended to Reece Lewis' online footprint, revealing the absence of a LinkedIn account and a Twitter profile that materialized just a month before a promotional video in December 2021. Influencers, including Steve Wozniak, publicly endorsed Lewis as the capable leader of the HyperVerse, boosting the company's credibility. However, doubts were raised when influencers such as Chuck Norris and Lance Bass refused to confirm any personal association with Reece Lewis, casting doubt on the authenticity of his endorsements.
Silence of influencers and HyperVerse leadership
Amid growing doubts about Reece Lewis' identity, HyperVerse influencers and leaders, such as Sam Lee and Ryan Xu, have opted for silence. The Guardian reported that celebrity endorsers of HyperVerse have not confirmed meeting or speaking with Reece Lewis, fueling suspicions about the legitimacy of her involvement. Investigative journalist Andrew Penman suggested the possibility that influencers may have been recruited through platforms like Cameo for marketing videos.
Denials and disputes
HyperVerse leaders, notably Sam Lee, have chosen not to respond to queries about Reece Lewis, instead dismissing alleged "misreporting" and claiming that online sources are fabricating information. Lee refuted the allegations about her role in HyperVerse, calling them baseless claims from anonymous Internet sources.
Reddit's early warnings and Reece Lewis' digital silence
Concerns about Reece Lewis' authenticity arose on Reddit two years ago, with users questioning his existence. A user named "roamingandy" suggested that Lewis could be a creation of HyperVerse for promotional purposes, citing the absence of a traceable online presence. Reece Lewis's only social media account, a Twitter profile, went silent in June 2022, coinciding with HyperVerse's suspension of customer withdrawals. The investigation concluded that Reece Lewis' identity remains unverifiable.
Lingering questions about Reece Lewis
As the controversy surrounding HyperVerse and Reece Lewis deepens, unanswered questions remain about the legitimacy of the CEO's identity and qualifications. The fallout from the alleged HyperVerse pyramid scheme serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and due diligence in the cryptocurrency investment landscape. The Guardian's investigation illuminates the potential risks associated with relying on unverified figures within the evolving realm of digital assets and virtual currencies.
