Croatian footballer Ivan Rakitić is under investigation by the Barcelona court following a lawsuit filed by a group of investors against the cryptocurrency trading company Shirtum Europa, registered in Andorra. Investors claim they were defrauded and lost about three million euros. The company was managed by three Catalan entrepreneurs, and Rakitić along with several other footballers promoted the company’s products. Investors purchased NFTs, digital assets certified using blockchain technology, but the promised technological platform was never launched despite receiving investors’ money. The lawsuit alleges fraud and failure to deliver the promised platform.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the risks and exploitation involved in cryptocurrency investments, highlighting the vulnerability of ordinary investors to fraud. They focus on the need for stronger regulations and protections for consumers in the crypto market. The involvement of a famous footballer like Ivan Rakitić is used to illustrate how celebrity endorsements can mislead investors.
Center: Centrist sources report the facts of the investigation and lawsuit in a balanced manner, focusing on the legal proceedings and the claims made by investors. They provide background on the company and the technology involved, explaining NFTs and blockchain in neutral terms. The coverage is factual without strong editorializing.
Right: Right-leaning media may emphasize personal responsibility and skepticism towards cryptocurrency investments, warning about the dangers of speculative markets. They might highlight the failure of the company and the investors’ due diligence, while also noting the reputational risk for celebrities like Rakitić who promote such ventures.
