Following Mirror Trading International’s collapse in late 2020, CEO Johann Steynberg fled South Africa for Brazil.

Authorities eventually caught up with Steynberg and
arrested him late last month
.

Steynberg managed to evade authorities on account of him having at least three fake IDs.

We now also now Steynberg spent 2021 living on stolen bitcoin and banging a Brazilian mistress.

The awkward revelation was reported by
Brazilian TV station Record TV Goias
on January 4th.

When Steynberg fled South Africa he left behind Nerina Steynberg, his wife. The couple have been together for at least fifteen years.

Police caught Steynberg after his use of a false ID raised suspicion. A local reported Steynberg to police, who then launched an investigation.

Record TV Goias report Steynberg was arrested staying at his Brazilian mistress’ residence, where he had been staying.

Police confiscated laptops, IDs and other personal documents.

Record TV Goias’ report suggests Steynberg had lavished at least R$70,000 in gifts on his mistress (~$12,000 USD).

Steynberg’s own initial residence in Brazil is believed to have been a hotel in Sao Paulo. Auto-translate might be playing up but it sounds like he’d since purchased multiple properties, one of which housed a private jet.

One of Record TV Goias’ reporters expressed surprise at Steynberg’s arrest. He stated Steynberg had a “good boy face” and didn’t look like your typical scammer.

(Steynberg) came from South Africa with money in his pocket. He arrived in Brazil, travelled to Goiania, the city of the most beautiful women in Brazil and got a girlfriend.

In the aftermath of Steynberg’s arrest, there has been no confirmation whether it was the US or South Africa who requested the Interpol warrant against him.

Owing to South African authorities doing nothing throughout 2021, it is suspected Steynberg was arrested at the behest of the US.

The FBI
confirmed an interest in the Mirror Trading International case
last August.

🤖 Quick Answer

Who is Johann Steynberg and why did he flee South Africa?
Johann Steynberg is the former CEO of Mirror Trading International, a company that collapsed in late 2020. He fled South Africa to Brazil to evade authorities investigating the company's collapse and his financial crimes.

How was Steynberg eventually apprehended by authorities?
Steynberg was arrested after a local resident reported suspicious activity involving his use of false identification documents. Police launched an investigation that led to his capture, despite his possession of at least three fraudulent ID documents.

What activities did Steynberg engage in while evading authorities in Brazil?
While hiding in Brazil during 2021, Steynberg survived on stolen bitcoin and maintained an extramarital relationship with a Brazilian woman, abandoning his wife Nerina, whom he had been married to for approximately fifteen years.

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