Learn more about a possible pump-and-dump scheme disguised as a fun dog event.
The Honorary NYC Dog Mayor Election of 2024 started as a fun online competition where cute dogs competed for the top prize through public votes. However, the contest took a strange turn with issues like ballot stuffing, negative comments, and cryptocurrency involvement.
In the initial rounds of the 16-dog bracket, Mello the Samoyed and Mr. Tobi the silky terrier won their matches. But Bertram the Pomeranian, with a large following on Instagram, seemed to have an unfair advantage. A cryptocurrency named after Bertram emerged, with supporters aiming to boost its value by promoting Bertram’s candidacy in the competition.
Another strong contender was Enzo the Shih Tzu, owned by influencer Olivia Caputo. Enzo, with a significant following on Instagram, was also recruited for the competition.
The competition, which was supposed to be a lighthearted event celebrating adorable dogs, turned into a controversial affair with questionable tactics and cryptocurrency manipulation.
Source: The NY Times
