Bitconned

In 2017, with the crypto market throwing money at any idea, three men from South Florida set up a company called Centra Tech. There was no product: there were fake LinkedIn profiles, an invented executive team, paid celebrity endorsements and a well-made pitch. The company raised more than thirty-two million dollars from investors through a fraudulent coin offering. What distinguishes Bryan Storkel's documentary is that one of the founders, Ray Trapani, sits down in front of the camera. He shows no remorse and instead recounts how he did it with something close to enjoyment. The film leaves that posture to the viewer rather than judging it, and poses the real question: how did something this simple run for this long. Trapani pleaded guilty and was ordered to repay more than two and a half million dollars. The film went up on Netflix on 1 January 2024. Who it's for: Viewers who like fraud documentaries and want the anatomy of the crypto mania. Who it's not for: The film hands the con man the stage and leaves the victims in the background, an imbalance some viewers will find uncomfortable.