Beleaguered crypto lender Celsius was sued by a former asset supervisor on Thursday, who alleged that the agency was an elaborate “Ponzi Scheme.”
In a court document filed within the New York state courtroom in Manhattan, the lawsuit alleges that Celsius used buyer deposits to inflate the worth of its personal CEL token, and manipulate broader crypto markets.
But as a result of it was unable to successfully curb danger, the lender now faces a liquidity crunch, and has been compelled to freeze withdrawals.
The lawsuit was filed by KeyFi, which had managed property for Celsius till March final yr. The lawsuit additionally alleges that the lender didn’t pay KeyFi for its companies.
KeyFi raises damning allegations towards Celsius
Jason Stone- a key plaintiff within the case, stated that at one level, KeyFi had managed practically $2 billion in property for Celsius. It was throughout this era that the asset supervisor grew to become conscious of the truth that Celsius had no hedging towards dangers.
“The recent revelation that Celsius does not have the assets on hand to meet its withdrawal obligations shows that Defendants were, in fact, operating a Ponzi-scheme,” the lawsuit alleges
Stone stated in a Twitter thread {that a} constant lack of danger administration by Celsius has now resulted within the lender’s liquidity crunch.
Recent experiences recommend Celsius has employed restructuring attorneys, and is now within the strategy of negotiating a potential bankruptcy.
Prepare for a possible Bitcoin dump?
Celsius is presently within the strategy of clearing its dues to a number of lenders. The platform lately paid off its debt to Maker DAO.
But shortly after, it mobilized about $500 million worth of Wrapped Bitcoin to FTX. This might point out that Celsius is making ready to dump the token to extend its liquidity.
While such a state of affairs might assist the lender stave off a chapter, it could additionally lead to a unfavorable impression on Bitcoin costs.
But it stays unclear whether or not the lender will have the ability to repay its clients in full.
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