Digital Currency Group Seeks Dismissal of NY AG’s Lawsuit

DCG seeks to dismiss NY AG's lawsuit, disputing fraud claims tied to Genesis and Gemini, amid growing regulatory scrutiny in the crypto space.
Digital-Currency-Group

Highlights

  • DCG challenges NY AG's $3B fraud claim, asserts legal compliance in crypto dealings.
  • Genesis' partnership woes escalate DCG lawsuit to $3 billion in investor losses.
  • DCG disputes bankruptcy settlement, emphasizes fair creditor treatment amid lawsuit.

Digital Currency Group (DCG) has formally requested the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against it by the New York Attorney General (NY AG), Letitia James.

Filed with the New York Supreme Court, DCG’s motion seeks to counter allegations of defrauding investors and mismanaging financial disclosures related to its lending subsidiary, Genesis, and its collaboration with the crypto exchange Gemini. This legal action unfolds against heightened scrutiny and calls for regulatory clarity within the digital asset space.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Digital Currency Group Allegations and Legal Defense

The lawsuit was brought in October by NY AG Letitia James, who accused DCG and its founder and CEO, Barry Silbert, of defrauding more than 230,000 investors and causing over $1 billion in losses. This was primarily due to the activities of Genesis and its association with Gemini, primarily through the long-gone Gemini Earn program. The program, aimed at providing a high yield on cryptocurrency deposits, ended in 2022 in tandem with the general fall of the whole crypto market.

Moreover, in their defense, the legal team of DCG termed the accusations as a “thin web of baseless innuendo” and argued that the company had acted professionally per the advice from reputable accountants and investment bankers.

In particular, DCG has argued in favour of issuing a disputed $1.1 billion promissory note to Genesis, defending its legality and the propriety of the board’s approval. In addition, DCG rejects the representation of its assistance for Genesis as unlawful, stressing its adherence to legal and ethical norms.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Broadening Lawsuit Range

Since its original filing, the lawsuit’s stakes have been increasing, with the NY AG’s office filing an amended complaint with damages now estimated to be around $3 billion. The amendment was triggered by other investor complaints that pointed out a broader impact than previously thought.

The amended complaint centres on the claim that Genesis and the Gemini Earn program were underrepresented concerning risk and financial stability.

Additionally, DCG has opposed a settlement agreement between Genesis and the NY AG’s office concerning Genesis’s bankruptcy proceeding. DCG criticizes the settlement as a misrepresentation of bankruptcy law, asserting that it favours some creditors at the expense of others. This internal company wrangle demonstrates the intricate legal and financial connivances emanating from the ripple effects of the crypto market’s fall.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Regulatory Issues and Industry Reaction

The continued legal fight between DCG and the NY AG’s office highlights the broader issues that prevail in the crypto industry concerning regulatory oversight and investor protection. The case, as it develops, will provide precedents for controlling and supervising digital currency companies, especially during market turbulence.

DCG’s steadfast resistance to the accusations and its intention to go on battling them makes the regulatory engagement in the crypto space controversial. The case is being closely watched by industry observers and stakeholders, who expect it to set a precedence for other regulatory actions and the operating norms of crypto businesses.

Read Also: $BTC, $DOGE, $FET Price Analysis, as Crypto Market Rebounds From Recent Sell-Off 

Advertisement
Kelvin Munene Murithi
Kelvin Munene is a crypto and finance journalist with over 5 years of experience, offering in-depth market analysis and expert commentary . With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Actuarial Science from Mount Kenya University, Kelvin is known for his meticulous research and strong writing skills, particularly in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and financial markets. His work has been featured across top industry publications such as Coingape, Cryptobasic, MetaNews, Cryptotimes, Coinedition, TheCoinrepublic, Cryptotale, and Analytics Insight among others, where he consistently provides timely updates and insightful content. Kelvin’s focus lies in uncovering emerging trends in the crypto space, delivering factual and data-driven analyses that help readers make informed decisions. His expertise extends across market cycles, technological innovations, and regulatory shifts that shape the crypto landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Kelvin has a passion for chess, traveling, and exploring new adventures.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and 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.
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.