CFTC Concludes Bankrupt Crypto Lender Celsius Broke Rules, Lawsuit Coming?

Bhushan Akolkar
July 6, 2023
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sources familiar with the matter recently said that investigators at the U.S. Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) that bankrupt crypto lender Celsius Network along with its CEO Alex Mashinsky broke regulatory rules before the implosion last year.

The sources added that if a majority of the CFTC Commissioners agree to this, the agency could file a case in the federal court this month. One of the sources said that attorneys from the enforcement unit have determined that Celsius misled investors without registering with the regulatory. Also, CEO Alex Mashinsky flouted major rules.

Crypto lender Celsius Networks gained massive popularity during the bull run of 2021 by offering loans and paying hefty interest on virtual token deposits. Back then, Mashinsky claimed that these deposits were as safe as that with banks.

However, last year’s blow-up of the Terra ecosystem led to a widespread contagion in the crypto space with Celsius being a major victim of it. Besides, it also exposed several risky bets from Celsius. Soon after, Celsius Networks faced major withdrawals from the platform finally leading them to bankruptcy.

Legal Action Against Celsius Networks

After a major blow-up last year, Celsius Networks has been facing scrutiny from some of the top US regulators. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and federal prosecutors in Manhattan are also looking into Celsius, as mentioned in bankruptcy filings.

Celsius’s major collapse has resulted in legal action, including accusations from New York Attorney General Letitia James. She claimed that Mashinsky, the founder of Celsius, made untrue statements about the safety of the crypto platform and gave misleading information about the company’s worsening financial situation. In a lawsuit filed in January, James alleged that Mashinsky defrauded numerous investors, including over 26,000 individuals from New York, out of billions of dollars.

US authorities have been filing several cases this year, and if a federal enforcement action is taken against Celsius and Mashinsky, it would be the latest addition to this series of legal actions. In recent developments, Celsius Network has got the green light for converting the exchange’s altcoins into BTC.

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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.
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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
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
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.