Breaking: BitMEX Pleads Guilty To Bank Secrecy Act Offense

Godfrey Benjamin
July 11, 2024
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CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Breaking: BitMEX Pleads Guilty To Bank Secrecy Act Offense

BitMEX exchange might soon be putting its long-drawn investigation behind it as it has pleaded guilty to violating the United States Bank Secrecy Act. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York made the announcement, flagging the exchange’s willful violation of extant laws.

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BitMEX Case Eyeing Final Close

The investigation into the flouting of US laws by BitMEX predates 2020. In the early phase of the investigation, the exchange’s co-founder were the center of attraction. Arthur Hayes, Samuel Reed, and Benjamin Delo admitted to running the exchange without demanding Know-Your-Customer (KYC) checks.

Usually this checks which are included in Anti-money Laundering (AML) procedures are mandated to safeguard users from exoloutation. More so, they ensure that the integrity the U.S. financial system and national security are preserved. However, BitMEX intentionally failed to meet up with these standards.

According to the prosecutors, this permitted the exchange to operate as a gateway for illicit activities.

“..BitMEX opened itself up as a vehicle for large-scale money laundering and sanctions evasion schemes, posing a serious threat to the integrity of the financial system.  Today’s guilty plea indicates again the need for cryptocurrency companies to comply with U.S. law if they take advantage of the U.S. market,” said Damian Williams, US Attorney.

While the co-founders have already paid their price for their role in the exchange’s violations , the exchange is also expected to pay some price as would be decided by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.

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U.S. Authorities Fights AML Violations

Generally, the consistency of the U.S. authorities on the BitMEX case reflects the commitment of the government towards ensuring citizens’ safety. In Q1 2024, the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) charged Kucoin Exchange and two of its co-founders Chun Gan and Ke Tang for flouting multiple laws to grow their trading platform into one of the biggest in the crypto industry.

At the time, Damian accused all that were involved of conspiring to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business. They also allegedly conspired to violate the Bank Secrecy Act. Noteworthy, this was after the DoJ requested $4.3 billion as Binance settlement in Q4 2023 for violation of AML rules.

More recently, Paxful co-founder Artur Schaback pleaded guilty to conspiracy and failing to maintain the platform’s AML program. The number of these AML violation cases may force the authorities to adopt stricter measures against crypto exchanges.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Benjamin Godfrey is a blockchain enthusiast and journalists who relish writing about the real life applications of blockchain technology and innovations to drive general acceptance and worldwide integration of the emerging technology. His desires to educate people about cryptocurrencies inspires his contributions to renowned blockchain based media and sites. Benjamin Godfrey is a lover of sports and agriculture. Follow him on X, Linkedin
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.