New York’s attorney general escalated the legal showdown in the crypto sphere on Friday, unveiling an amplified complaint that accused Digital Currency Group (DCG) and other cryptocurrency entities of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme, purportedly siphoning off over $3 billion from unsuspecting customers. This move comes hot on the heels of a recent settlement with Genesis Global Capital, a subsidiary of DCG, in its bankruptcy proceedings.
NY attorney general expands crypto lawsuit : Mounting Allegations
Attorney General Letitia James, wielding a revamped lawsuit, now alleges that DCG and Genesis are culpable for duping investors out of an additional $2 billion, atop the previously claimed $1 billion loss outlined in the initial October complaint.
Unveiling Deception
In a scathing rebuke, James asserted, “After months of false promises, we pulled the curtain back and revealed that DCG was lying to investors and defrauding them out of billions.” The expanded investigation unearthed a trove of additional victims purportedly ensnared in the web of deceit.
Targets of Allegations
The legal crosshairs aren’t solely fixed on Genesis and its erstwhile CEO Soichiro Moro. The lawsuit also takes aim at DCG’s CEO Barry Silbert and Gemini Trust Company, leveling accusations of attempted concealment of losses exceeding $1.1 billion. These losses precipitated Genesis’ cessation of the Gemini Earn program and its subsequent plunge into Chapter 11 proceedings in January.
NY attorney general expands crypto lawsuit : Legal Ramifications
The lawsuit seeks not only redress but also punitive action, aiming to bar the implicated entities from conducting securities or commodities business within the Empire State.
Settlement in the Shadows
Genesis, embroiled in bankruptcy woes, disclosed a settlement with the New York Attorney General, tacitly agreeing to halt its operations within the state. However, neither party offered any official commentary on the terms of the settlement.
Silence from the Accused
As the legal maelstrom rages on, Genesis remained tight-lipped, declining to provide immediate comment on the unfolding legal drama.
NY attorney general expands crypto lawsuit : Legal Footnote
The bankruptcy proceedings are being overseen under the case title In re: Genesis Global Holdco LLC et al., bearing the case number 1:23-bk-10063, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.