In a shocking development, the New York Attorney General’s Office (NYAG) has recently raised its fraud claims against Digital Currency Group (DCG) and its related parties. Initially, the lawsuit alleged losses of over $1 billion, but it has now been amended to include an additional $2 billion, bringing the total to a staggering $3 billion. This alleged fraud is said to have impacted more than 230,000 investors, painting a grim picture for the cryptocurrency industry.
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed her outrage, stating, “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 fraud and deceit were so expansive that many additional people have come forward to report similar harm.” This statement highlights the severity of the allegations and the widespread nature of the deception perpetrated by DCG.
The amended complaint filed by the NYAG includes Digital Currency Group, its CEO Barry Silbert, DCG subsidiary Genesis Global Capital, and former Genesis CEO Soichiro Moro as defendants. These additions were made based on the accounts of investors who have come forward as a result of the investigation. It is evident that the NYAG is determined to hold all parties accountable for their actions.
Despite reports of Genesis settling the NYAG lawsuit, as indicated by bankruptcy filings, the recent update from the NYAG does not mention any settlement agreement. The nature and extent of any potential settlement remain unclear, especially with regards to the increased amount now claimed. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold in the coming months.
The New York Attorney General’s office first initiated its lawsuit against DCG, Genesis, and their partner Gemini in October 2023. The case centered around Gemini Earn, an interest-bearing crypto lending service touted as low-risk. However, the NYAG’s investigation revealed significant financial risks associated with the service. Allegedly, Genesis and DCG executives attempted to conceal losses by entering into a $1.1 billion promissory note, effectively defrauding investors and the public.
In addition to the NYAG’s lawsuit, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also taken action against Genesis. As a result, a conditional $21 million settlement has been reached, with Genesis obligated to pay if it is unable to fully compensate its customers through ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. This settlement marks another blow to the reputation and financial stability of Genesis, adding to the mounting legal and financial issues the company currently faces.
The exponential growth of the fraud claims against Digital Currency Group to a staggering $3 billion is a clear indication of the magnitude of the alleged deception. The involvement of multiple defendants and the lack of settlement clarity further complicates an already convoluted legal battle. As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the credibility and trustworthiness of cryptocurrency-related businesses, putting investors and the public on high alert. The outcomes of these legal proceedings will serve as a litmus test for the accountability and integrity within the crypto industry and its role in the global financial landscape.