The Public Ministry (MP) investigates 16 complaints In Guatemala related to an alleged Pyramidal scam starring those Alleged companies Keda, Kmec and Xtra.
These companies offered seemingly innovative investment opportunities, based on digital technology and energy devices, but they really hid a Fraudulent scheme that affected dozens of people in several departments of the country.
This type of scam is known as pyramidal scheme either Pyramidal fraudand in some cases it is also classified as Ponzi scheme, although they have certain differences.
Pyramidal method behind fraud
The model applied by these alleged companies was essentially a pyramidal scheme.
The promoters constantly pressed so that Investors will enter more capital or invite new participantsunder the Threat of losing what has already been invested.
A clear sign of fraud was the promise of immediate returns, and even multiplied in a few weeks, which It goes against any legitimate investment model.
The alleged profits came from the money from new investors and not a real economic activity.
How does this type of fraud work?
The scam was disguised as a high -performance technological investment, using an attractive and modern narrative to capture more people, mainly through social networks.
The strategies were based on three main modalities:
1. Investment through a mobile app
The promoters offered the discharge of an application that simulated the burden of a “Digital drums.” Users were to believe that “recharge” This battery would generate daily profits. The strategy focused especially on young people and people interested in digital entrepreneurship.
2. Purchase of physical shelves
In this scheme, shelves equipped with portable batteries were sold, supposedly intended for rent in public spaces. Investors were promised profits according to the use that the public gave to these devices.
3. Investment in physical batteries installed abroad
Here, investors acquired similar shelves, but they were told that they would be located in countries such as China, Colombia either USA. Through an app, they could supposedly monitor their performance, although in reality everything was a simulation.
Characteristics
According to the first indications obtained by the MP, the pyramid scheme was disguised by the following key characteristics:
- Participants are required to recruit other people to maintain money flow.
- Apparent profits come from the money from new investors, not from real economic activity.
- It offers fast and high returns.
- Change their name or strategy to evade complaints.
- Use a technological facade (such as apps or supposed digital investment platforms) to look legitimate.
- Impact on Guatemala and the region
How to avoid falling into similar frauds?
The authorities recommend taking into account the following to protect themselves from this type of scams:
- Distrusting any investment that offers immediate or too good returns to be true.
- Verify that the company is registered and regulated by official institutions.
- Consult with financial experts before investing.
- Do not be influenced by striking videos or doubtful testimonies on social networks.
Impact on Guatemala
Complaints investigated in Guatemala come from multiple departments, including Suchitepéquez, San Marcos, Alta Verapaz, Sacatepéquez, Zacapa and Chimaltenango.
In places like Cobán, Alta Verapazeven physical offices would have been installed to reinforce the credibility of deception.
This fraud was not limited to Guatemala. Cases have also been reported in Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Argentinawhich reveals a well -organized and difficult -to -track regional strategy.
The Guatemalan Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the mode of operation was to send links for the registration of false accounts and investments, after which the company’s “managers” disappeared when users tried to withdraw their funds.
The most recent complaints have been filed in May 2025, indicating that fraud still has an impact.
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