The crypto lending industry has been shaken by allegations surrounding the now-defunct Celsius Network, which faces charges of a “sham” distinction between its UK and US entities. These accusations, stemming from new court filings, raise crucial questions about the company’s financial practices and the possibility of fraudulent activities.
In June 2021, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority issued a cease operation warning to Celsius Network Limited (CNL), prompting the company to establish a Delaware-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) and transfer its assets. This migration was meant to circumvent negative repercussions but instead led to “intercompany chaos” characterized by ambiguous documentation and confusing transactions.
While everyday investors were left perplexed by the transfer, Series B investors allegedly comprehended the implications of the unclear recordkeeping. A separate court document submitted by the Celsius Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors (UCC) argues that the migration was, in fact, a “sham” with potential fraudulent transactions aiding the movement of billions of dollars in assets between the UK and US entities.
Simon Dixon, who claims to have lost over $8.8 million in Bitcoin due to Celsius’ collapse, voiced his concerns through a series of tweets summarizing the UCC filing. Dixon highlighted the poor documentation and indistinct demarcation between the two entities. In a March 9 memorandum opinion, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Martin Glenn ruled that customers could only file claims against Celsius’ Delaware-based LLC, implying that Series B investors are more likely to receive compensation.
With the auction of Celsius’ assets scheduled for May 3, industry giants such as Coinbase and Gemini are showing interest in acquiring them. The proposed direct cash contribution of $45-55 million from “stalking horse bidder” could potentially enable customers to recover up to 70% of their lost funds. This auction represents a significant development for customers seeking to recoup their assets after the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in July 2022.
As court proceedings continue to unravel the complexities of the Celsius Network’s financial practices, the allegations casting a shadow over the crypto lender’s operations serve as a crucial reminder to the industry. This case underscores the importance of transparency, proper documentation, and adherence to regulatory guidelines. Failing to do so threatens not only the reputation of individual companies but also the integrity of the emerging blockchain market.
It is worth noting that this article is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. The unfolding case of Celsius Network delivers a clear message to crypto investors: always conduct thorough research and remain cautious when investing in the rapidly evolving world of blockchain technology.
Source: CryptoDaily
