Litigation Tracker

An overview of major litigation cases in crypto. Main page includes a general list with docket links. Some major cases of note have separate stub articles with summary and description.
Although this page is frequently updated and contains what the authors believe are most of the cases involving crypto in the designated sections, new actions are frequently filed. You should always conduct your own research and, as relevant, retain your own counsel before making any legal decisions.
Color Keys - Regulatory
The below color keys indicate the theories of liability advanced by the government in various types of proceedings. The major theories (i.e., most commonly asserted) are listed, with some references to less common also listed.
SEC
CFTC
DOJ
🟥 = Fraud (F)  
​Exchange Act § 10(b) (15 USC § 78j) & SEC Rule 10b-5 (17 CFR § 240.10b-5), and/or Securities Act § 17(a) (15 USC § 77q), or local equivalent; 
🟦 = Market Manipulation (MM) 
​Exchange Act § 9(a) (15 USC § 78i); 
🟧 = Initial Coin Offering (ICO) / Unregistered Sale (US) 
​Securities Act § 5(a) and/or (c) (15 USC § 77e), or local equivalent
🟩 = Anti-Touting (AT) 
​Securities Act § 17(b) (15 USC § 77q)
🟪 = Control Person / Aiding and Abetting (CP) 
​Exchange Act § 20 (15 USC § 78t)
🟫 = Unregistered Broker or Dealer (UBD) 
​Exchange Act § 15 (15 USC § 78o)
🟨 = Unregistered Exchange / Clearinghouse (UEC)
Unregistered - Exchange - Exchange Act § 5 (15 USC § 78e)
Unregistered Clearinghouse - Exchange Act § 17A(b) (15 USC § 78q-1(b))
⭕️ = Other:
Petition to compel subpoena responses.
Deficiencies in attempted registration
Revocation of registered securities
Unregistered digital asset security exchange
Purchase/sale of security-based swaps in violation of Securities Act § 5(e), and effecting transactions in those swaps outside of registered exchanges in violation of Exchange Act § 6(l).
🟥 = Fraud (F) 
Generally: Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) §4b (7 USC § 6b), Regulation 5.2(b) (17 CFR § 5.2(b)); 
Options fraud, CEA § 4c(b) (7 USC § 6c(b)) and Regulation 32.4 (17 CFR § 32.4)
False or misleading statements or omissions to the CFTC, CEA § 6(c)(2) (7 USC § 9(2))
Commodity Pool Operators: CEA § 4o (7 USC § 6o); 
False advertising by Commodity Pool Operators: Regulation 4.41(a) (17 CFR § 4.41(a))
🟦 = Market Manipulation (MM) 
 Use of a manipulative or deceptive device, CEA § 6(c)(1) (7 USC § 9(1)), Regulation 180.1(a) (17 CFR § 180.1(a)(1)-(3)); 
Manipulation/attempted manipulation of a swap, CEA §§ 6(c)(3) and 9(a)(2) (7 USC §§ 9(3) and 13(a)(2)), Regulation 180.2 (17 CFR § 180.2)
🟧 = KYC/CIP/AML Failures (KYC) – 
Compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation 42.2 (17 CFR § 42.2)
Failure to supervise, Regulation 166.3 (17 CFR § 166.3)
🟩 = Off-Exchange Transactions (OET) 
Illegal off-exchange retail swaps, CEA § 2(e) (7 USC § 2(e))
Conducting off-exchange futures transactions with non-eligible contract participants or eligible commercial entities, CEA § 4(a) (7 USC § 6(a))
Illegal off-exchange commodity options, CEA § 4c(b) and Regulation 32.2 (7 USC § 6c(b), 17 CFR § 32.2)
🟪 = Control Person / Aiding and Abetting (CP) 
Failing to act in good faith or knowingly inducing acts constituting violations of the Act, CEA § 13(b) (7 U.S.C. § 13(b))
🟫 = Unregistered (UR) 
Failure to register as a commodity pool operator, CEA § 4m(1) (7 USC §§ 2(c)(2)(C)(iii)(I)(cc), 6m(1)); Regulation 5.3(a)(2)(i) (17 CFR § 5.3(a)(2)(i))
Failure to register as an associated person of a commodity pool operator, 7 USC § 6k(2), Regulation 5.3(a)(2)(ii) (17 CFR § 5.3(a)(2)(ii));
Failure to register as a futures commission merchant, CEA § 4d(a)(1) (7 USC § 6d(a)(1))
Failure to register a designated contract market or swap execution facility, CEA § 5h(a)(1) (7 USC § 7b-3(a)(1)), Regulation 37.3(a)(1) (17 CFR § 37.3)
⭕️ = Other
Failure to operate a pool as a separate entity, Regulation 4.20 (17 CFR § 4.20);
Failure to enforce rules prohibiting wash trading and prearranged trading on a swap exchange facility, CEA § 5h(f)(2)(B) (7 USC § 7b-3(f)(1)), Regulation 37.203(a) (17 CFR § 37.203(a))
Anti-Evasion, Regulation 1.6 (17 CFR § 1.6)
🟥 = Fraud (F) 
Wire fraud, 18 USC 1343​
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 18 USC § 1349​
Securities fraud, 15 USC § 78j(b), 17 CFR § 240.10b-5​
Conspiracy to commit securities/commodities/computer fraud, 18 USC § 371​
Bank fraud, 18 USC § 1344​
Making false statements to a financial institution, 18 USC § 1014​
🟦 = Money Laundering (ML)
Conducting financial transactions with the proceeds of a crime, 18 USC § 1956​
Conspiracy to commit money laundering, 18 USC § 1956(h)​
Illegal monetary transaction from proceeds of a crime, 18 USC § 1957​
Failure to register/license a money services business (MSB), 18 USC § 1960, 31 CFR § 1010.100(ff), 31 CFR § 1022.380(a)(1)​
Failure of an MSB to comply with the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), e.g., filing suspicious activity reports, 31 USC 5318(g) & 31 CFR § 1022.320(a), implementing an anti-money laundering program, 31 USC 5322 & 31 CFR § 1022.210, 31 CFR § 1026.210, 31 CFR § 1026.220, structuring transactions, 31 USC § 5324(c)​
🟧 = Forfeiture (FF) 
Judicial forfeiture against assets resulting from money laundering, illegal monetary transactions, or operating an unregistered MSB, 18 USC § 981(a)(1)(A), computer hacking, 18 USC § 981(a)(1)(C), or against things of value furnished or intended to be furnished in exchange for drugs, 21 USC § 881(a)(6)​
⭕️ = Other
Obstruction of justice, 18 USC § 1503(a); Tampering with evidence/witnesses, 18 USC § 1512; destruction of investigative records, 18 USC § 1519; 
Motion to suppress
Tax evasion, 26 USC § 7201; willful failure to file a return or pay tax, 26 USC § 7203​
Conspiracy to assist in sanctions evasion by violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 USC § 1705(a), 31 CFR §§ 510.206(a), 510.212(b) 
Computer Fraud and Abuse, 18 USC § 1030​
Identity theft 18 USC §§ 1028, 1028A​
Extortion, 18 USC § 1951​
Regulatory Litigation
Each tab covers litigation by the federal government in court or an administrative proceeding, as applicable. The Challenges section involves cases where the plaintiff is suing the government, usually an administrative agency, for relief of some kind.
SEC
CFTC
DOJ/Criminal
Misc Fed/State
Challenges
​
Date / Type
Name / Court / Docket Link
Notes
2023.04.17
🟫 UBD
🟨 UEC
🟪 CP
​SEC v. Bittrex, Inc., No. 2:23-cv-00580 (W.D. Wash. 2023.04.17)
– Press Release​
Action against Bittrex crypto exchange and its founder for operating as an unregistered exchange, broker, and clearinghouse, and for the sale of unregistered securities in the form of crypto assets OMG, DASH, ALGO, TKN, NGC, IHT.
2023.03.29
🟧 US
🟥 F
🟫 UBD
🟪 CP
​SEC v. Beaxy Digital, Ltd., No. 1:23-cv-01962 (N.D. Ill. 2023.03.29)
Action against crypto exchange Beaxy for being an unregistered securities exchange and selling unregistered securities BXY and DRGN; misappropriation by one founder of at least $900,000; consent judgments entered against market makers on the exchange for market making in those tokens while being unregistered dealers.
2023.03.22
🟧 US
🟥 F
🟦 MM
🟩 AT
​SEC v. Sun, No. 1:23-cv-02433 (S.D.N.Y. 2023.03.22)
– Press Release​
Action against Justin Sun and his companies for unregistered offer and sale of crypto asset securities Tronix (TRX) and BitTorrent (BTT); also includes charges for fraudulently manipulating the secondary market for TRX through extensive wash trading, and paying two celebrities — DeAndre Cortez Way (Soulja Boy) and Austin Mahone — to promote TRX without disclosing their compensation.
2023.03.22
🟩 AT
– In re Lindsay Dee Lohan, No. 3-21349
– In re Michele Anne Mason (a/k/a Kendra Lust), No. 3-21350
– In re Miles Parks McCollum (a/k/a Lil Yachty), No. 3-21351
– In re Jake Joseph Paul, No. 3-21347
– In re Shaffer Chimere Smith (a/k/a Ne-Yo), No. 3-21346
– In re Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam (a/k/a Akon), No. 3-21348

(SEC Admin. Proc. 2023.03.22)
– Press Release​
Six celebrities settled with the SEC related to their promotion of the TRX token without disclosing that they were paid promotions or the amounts of their compensation.
2023.03.03
🟧 US
🟥 F
🟫 UBD
​SEC v. Green United, LLC, No. 2:23-cv-00159 (D. Utah 2023.03.03)
Fraudulent offering of unregistered securities that was purportedly a blockchain mining operation in a new token GREEN; no blockchain existed, no mining was performed.
2023.02.28
🟥 F
​SEC v. Nishad Singh, No. 1:23-cv-01691 (S.D.N.Y. 2023.02.28)
– Press Release​
Fraud action against senior FTX executive for defrauding investors in FTX as well as its customers.
2023.02.23
🟥 F
⭕️ Other
​SEC v. BKCoin Management, LLC, No. 1:23-cv-20719 (S.D. Fla. 2023.02.23)
– Press Release​
Fraud action against crypto investment fund; $100 million raised, but money was used to make Ponzi-like payments and to fund lavish personal lifestyles. The SEC obtained an injunction and asset freeze. Complaint also alleges violations of the Advisers Act.
2023.02.17
🟩 AT
​In re Paul Anthony Pierce, No. 3-21305 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2023.02.17)
– Press Release​
Settled anti-touting charges against former NBA player related to EMAX token. $1.4 million fine.
2023.02.16
🟥 F
🟧 US
🟪 CP
⭕️ Other
​SEC v. Terraform Labs PTE Ltd., No. 1:23-cv-01346 (S.D.N.Y. 2023.02.16)
– Press Release
– Press Release (2023.04.13)
Fraudulent offer and sale of unregistered securities, including algorithmic stablecoin UST, related coin LUNA, and other assets. Unregistered offer of security-based swaps and effecting transactions in security-based swaps with ineligible participants. Control person liability against founder Do Kwon.
2023.02.09
🟧 US
​SEC v. Payward Ventures (d/b/a Kraken), No. 3:23-cv-00588 (N.D. Cal. 2023.02.09)
– Press Release
– Dissenting Statement of Hester Peirce
Unregistered sale of "staking-as-a-service" securities whereby Kraken would pool user deposited crypto assets for staking, in exchange for returns of up to 20% or more. $30 million settlement entered without proceeding past complaint.
2023.01.20
🟥 F
🟦 MM

​SEC v. Eisenberg, No. 1:23-cv-00503 (S.D.N.Y. 2023.01.20)
– Press Release​
Fraud and market manipulation of Mango Markets and its tokens in order to steal $116 million.
2023.01.19
🟧 US
​In re Nexo Capital Inc., No. 3-21281 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2023.01.19)
– Press Release​
Unregistered offer and sale of the Nexo Earn Interest Product, an interest-bearing crypto asset account.
2023.01.12
🟧 US
​SEC v. Genesis Global Capital, LLC, No. 1:23-cv-00287 (S.D.N.Y. 2023.01.12)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of securities in the form of the Gemini Earn crypto asset lending program.
2023.01.04
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Chandran, No. 2:23-cv-10017 (E.D. Mich. 2023.01.04)
– Press Release​
Unregistered offering fraud of "CoinDeal," raising $45 million.
2022.12.21
🟥 F
​SEC v. Ellison, No. 1:22-cv-10794 (S.D.N.Y. 2022.12.21)
– Press Release (2022.12.21)
– Press Release (2023.01.19)
Fraud in offer/sale/purchase of FTX stock by Caroline Ellison and Gary Wang; alleges in detail that FTT was a crypto asset security. Consent judgments entered by both defendants.
2022.12.14
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Da Silva, No. 1:22-cv-10534 (S.D.N.Y. 2022.12.14)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent pyramid scheme, Forcount Trader Systems, targeting Spanish-speaking communities promising investors returns in a fake crypto asset trading and mining operation.
2022.12.13
🟥 F
​SEC v. Bankman-Fried, No. 1:22-cv-10501-PKC (S.D.N.Y. 2022.12.13)
– Press Release (2022.12.13)
– Press Release (2023.01.19)
Fraud in offer/sale/purchase of FTX stock by Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX, in part based on misleading statements re FTT token and risk strategy.
2022.11.18
⭕️ Other
​In re The Registration Statement of American CryptoFed DAO LLC, No. 3-21243 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2022.11.18)
– Press Release​
Order instituting public hearings regarding alleged omissions and misstatements in attempt to register two crypto asset securities.
2022.11.03
🟥 F
🟧 US
🟫 UBD
​SEC v. Braga, No. 2:22-cv-01563 (W.D. Wash. 2022.11.03)
– Press Release​
"Trade Coin Club" ponzi scheme that raised more than 82,000 bitcoin, but diverted assets for personal purposes.
2022.11.03
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Rounsville, No. 3:22-cv-02458 (N.D. Tex. 2022.11.03)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent promotion of crypto asset trading program Arbitraging.co, which promised returns of up to 1% per day. Settled the same day it was filed for $207k disgorgement, officer-and-director bar.
2022.10.03
🟩 AT
​In re Kimberly Kardashian, No. 3-21197 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2022.10.03)
– Press Release​
Anti-touting re EMAX tokens. $1.26M penalty through settlement.
2022.09.30
🟥 F
​SEC v. Arbitrade Ltd., No. 1:22-cv-23171 (S.D. Fla. 2022.09.30)
– Press Release​
Pump-and-dump re DIG tokens.
2022.09.28
🟥 F
🟦 MM
🟧 US
🟪 CP
🟫 UBD


​SEC v. The Hydrogen Technology Corp., No. 1:22-cv-08284 (S.D.N.Y 2022.09.28)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered sale of Hydro tokens, market manipulation re same.
2022.09.19
🟥 F
🟧 US
⭕️ Other
​SEC v. Chavez, No. 4:22-cv-03359 (S.D. Tex. 2022.09.19)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent sale of crypto investment services and Ponzi scheme, instead diverting client funds for personal purposes and other business ventures. Additional charges include violations of the Advisers Act.
2022.09.19
🟧 US
​In re Sparkster, Ltd., No. 3-21103 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2022.09.19)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of SPRK tokens.
2022.09.19
🟩 AT
​SEC v. Balina, No. 1:22-cv-950 (W.D. Tex. 2022.09.19)
Anti-touting re SPRK tokens. Jurisdiction based on Ethereum validator concentration in United States. 
2022.09.15
🟥 F
​SEC v. Edelman, No. 1:22-cv-07892 (S.D.N.Y. 2022.09.15)
Fraud enforcement re investment of funds in digital assets.
2022.09.14
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Chicago Crypto Capital LLC, No. 22-cv-2975 (N.D. Ill. 2022.09.14)
– Press Release​
Fraud enforcement re unregistered crypto asset securities offering.
2022.08.16
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Dragonchain, Inc., No. 2:22-cv-01145 (W.D. Wash. 2022.08.16)
– Press Release​
Unregistered offering of Dragon coin
2022.08.09
🟧 ICO
​In re Bloom Protocol, LLC, No. 3-20952 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2022.08.09)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO related to an online identity attestation platform.
2022.08.01
🟥 F
​SEC v. Okhotnikov, No. 1:22-cv-03978 (N.D. Ill. 2022.08.01)
– Press Release​
Ponzi/fraud enforcement against founders of Forsage.
2022.07.21
🟥 F
​SEC v. Wahi, No. 2:22-cv-01009 (W.D. Wash. 2022.07.21)
– Press Release​
Insider trading charges against former Coinbase employee based on 25 tokens, 9 of which — AMP, RLY, DDX, XYO, RGT, LCX, POWR, DFX, KROM — are described as crypto asset securities.
2022.06.30
🟥 F
​SEC v. Empires Consulting Corp., No. 1:22-cv-21995 (S.D. Fla. 2022.06.30)
Founders of EmpiresX misappropriated $40m raised from investors. Related CFTC and DOJ actions.
2022.04.28
🟧 US
​SEC v. Chiang, No. 3:22-cv-0600 (TWE) (WVG) (S.D. Cal. 2022.04.28)
– Press Release​
NASGO sold SNP tokens as unregistered securities
2022.04.27
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Block Bits Capital, LLC, No. 3:22-cv-02563 (N.D. Cal. 2022.04.27)
– Press Release​
fraudulent/unregistered sale of securities; parallel criminal actions against founders
2022.04.27
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Mata, No. 3:22-cv-02565 (N.D. Cal. 2022.04.27)
(founder of Block Bits Capital)
2022.04.07
🟥 F
🟧 US
🟪 CP
​SEC v. MCC International Corp., No. 2:22-cv-14129-KMM (S.D. Fla. 2022.04.07)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent sales of investment in crypto "mining packages" promising daily returns of 1%, paid in bitcoin. Instead investors received "Capital Coin" which could only be used on a fake trading platform.
2022.03.08
🟧 ICO / US
​SEC v. Barksdale, No. 22-cv-1933 (S.D.N.Y. 2022.03.08)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO re Ormeus token
2022.02.14
🟧 US
​In re BlockFi Lending, LLC, No. 3-20758 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2022.02.14)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of crypto lending product. $100M fine split between SEC and 32 states.
2022.01.18
🟥 F
​SEC v. Garcia, No. 1:22-cv-00118 (D. Colo. 2022.01.18)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent sale of investment in Gold Hawgs Development Corp. for development of new cryptocurrency. Funds instead diverted for personal purposes.
2022.01.06
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Crowd Machine, Inc., No. 5:22-cv-0076 (N.D. Cal. 2022.01.06)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent use of ICO sales of CMCT token.
2021.12.02
🟥 F
🟧 ICO / US
​SEC v. Auzins, No. 1:21-cv-6693 (E.D.N.Y. 2021.12.02)
– Press Release​
Unregistered and fraudulent ICOs re Denaro and Innovamine.
2021.11.18
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Ginster, No. 5:21-cv-01957 (C.D. Cal. 2021.11.18)
– Press Release​
Unregistered and fraudulent securities offering based on purported "cryptocurrency trading and advertising arbitrage." Ginster used funds for personal expenses.
2021.11.12
⭕️ Other
​SEC v. Terraform Labs Pte Ltd., No. 1:21-mc-00810 (S.D.N.Y. 2021.11.12), aff'd SEC v. Terraform Labs, No. 22-368 (2d Cir. 2022.06.08)
​SEC v. Terraform Labs Pte Ltd., No. 1:21-mc-00808 (S.D.N.Y. 2021.11.12) (dismissed as filed in error); 
​Terraform Labs Pte Ltd. v. SEC, No. 1:21-cv-08701 (S.D.N.Y. 2021.10.22) (voluntarily dismissed)
Petition to compel responses to investigative subpoenas approved by trial court, affirmed on appeal to Second Circuit.

Action objecting to service on Do Kwon voluntarily dismissed. 
2021.11.10
⭕️ Other
​In re American CryptoFed DAO LLC, No. 3-20650 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.11.10)
Admin procedure re material deficiencies in attempted registration of crypto asset securities, Ducat token and Locke token.
2021.09.13
🟧 US
​In re GTV Media Group Inc., No. 3-20537 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.09.13)
– Press Release​
Settlement regarding unregistered sale of both stock and tokens; GTV and individual executives to pay total fines/penalties/interest of $523.6 million. 
2021.09.08
🟧 ICO / US
​SEC v. Rivetz Corp., No. 3:21-cv-30092 (D. Mass. 2021.09.08)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of crypto asset security RvT token through pre-sale and ICO. Detailed allegations re why RvT was a security.
2021.09.01
🟥 F
🟧 US
🟫 UBD
​SEC v. BitConnect, No. 1:21-cv-07349 (S.D.N.Y. 2021.09.01)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered sale of securities in the form of BitConnect lending program that was really a Ponzi-scheme. Over $2 billion (based on 325,000 BTC value) raised through many commissioned, but undisclosed, agents.
(See related case against promoters below.)
2021.08.09
⭕️ Other
​In re Poloniex, LLC, No. 3-20455, Release No. 92607 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.08.09)
– Press Release​
Unregistered digital asset security exchange; settlement totaled $10.3 million, including disgorgement, interest, and fine.
2021.08.06
🟥 F
🟧 US
​In re Blockchain Credit Partners, No. 3-20453, Release Nos. 10961, 92588 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.08.06)
– Press Release​
Unregistered and fraudulent offering of securities through DeFi Money Market. Assets claimed to be backing interest earning tokens were never acquired by DMM.
2021.08.04
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​In re Uulala, Inc., No. 5:21-cv-01307 (C.D. Cal. 2021.08.04)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of UULA tokens that included fraudulent representations about underlying payments technology.
2021.07.14
🟩 AT
​In re Blotics, No. 3-20398 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.07.14)
– Press Release​
Coinschedule was paid by persons conducting ICOs to list the offerings on its website, but failed to disclose that fact. Separate statement by Commissioners Peirce and Roisman on failure of SEC to identify which listings were securities.
2021.07.09
🟥 F
​SEC v. Watson, No. 1:21-cv-05923 (S.D.N.Y. 2021.07.09)
Insider trading charges based on disclosure of publicly traded Long Island Iced Tea Co.'s plans to change its name to Long Blockchain Corp.
2021.06.22
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​In re Loci, Inc., No. 3-20369 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.06.22)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent ICO of LOCIcoin based on misrepresentations about Loci's business.
2021.06.15
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Hamid, No. 2:21-cv-12542 (D.N.J. 2021.06.15)
– Press Release​
Additional action re fraudulent ICO of BCT Tokens, purportedly to develop tech for hedge funds, against additional participants.
2021.06.11
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Radjabli, No. 2:21-cv-01761 (D.S.C. 2021.06.11)
– Press Release​
Many frauds, including an offering of Apis Tokens, purportedly representing tokenized interests in Apis Capital's main investment fund.
2021.05.28
🟧 US
🟫 UBD
​SEC v. Brown, No. 1:21-cv-04791-JGK (S.D.N.Y. 2021.05.28)
– Press Release​
(BitConnect promoters, see above at 2021.09.01)
2021.03.29
🟧 US
​SEC v. LBRY, Inc., No. 1:21-cv-00260 (D.N.H. 2021.03.29)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of LBRY tokens. Court granted MSJ in SEC's favor concluding tokens were securities on Nov. 7, 2022. (Opinion on CaseText, CourtListener)
2021.03.05
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Cutting, No. 2:21-cv-00103-BLW (D. Idaho 2021.03.05)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent fundraising purportedly to invest in digital assets, instead misappropriating assets. 
2021.02.19
⭕️ Other
​In re Long Blockchain Corp., No. 3-20228 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.02.19)
Revocation of company's securities for failure to file quarterly and annual reports.
2021.02.17
🟧 US
​SEC v. Coinseed, No. 1:21-cv-01381 (S.D.N.Y. 2021.02.17)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of CSD tokens.
2021.02.01
🟥 F
🟧 US
🟫 UBD
​SEC v. Krstic, No. 1:21-cv-00529 (E.D.N.Y. 2021.02.01)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent ICO of B2G tokens, misappropriating millions of retail investor funds.
2021.01.15
🟥 F
🟧 US
​In re Wireline, Inc., No. 3-20206 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2021.01.15)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered sale of SAFTs regarding tokens that were never released for a platform that never launched.
2020.12.23
🟧 US
​In re Tierion, Inc., No. 3-20188 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.12.23)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of TNT coins for the Tierion Network for blockchain receipts.
2020.12.22
🟥 F
​SEC v. Qin, No. 1:20-cv-10849-LGS (S.D.N.Y. 2020.12.22)
– Press Release​
Ponzi scheme by purported algorithmic cryptocurrency arbitrage investment platform.
2020.12.22
🟧 US

​SEC v. Ripple Labs, Inc., No. 1:20-cv-10832-AT-SN (S.D.N.Y. 2020.12.22)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of XRP tokens from 2013 through the present.
2020.12.21
🟧 ICO
​In re ShipChain, Inc., No. 3-20185 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.12.21)
Unregistered ICO of SHIP tokens to develop a blockchain platform related to shipping and logistics.
2020.12.09
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Elmaani, No. 1:20-cv-10376 (S.D.N.Y. 2020.12.09)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of Pearl tokens in connection with Oyster Protocol, while also covertly minting a secret supply that Elmaani sold into the market.
2020.10.05
🟩 AT
🟥 F
​SEC v. McAfee, No. 1:20-cv-08281 (S.D.N.Y. 2020.10.05)
– Press Release
– Settled as to defendant Jimmy Gale Watson on July 14, 2022.
Fraudulently touting 7 (unidentified) ICOs without disclosing promotional status, and also fraudulently scalping holdings from the same ICOs.
2020.09.30
🟧 ICO
​In re Salt Blockchain Inc., No. 3-20106 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.09.30)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of Salt Tokens to develop a dollar-denominated loan business secured by blockchain assets.
2020.09.25
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​In re SoluTech, Inc., No. 3-20071 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.09.25)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent ICO of SCRL digital assets to fund blockchain-based platform called the Scroll Network, misrepresenting current revenues and SoluTech product capabilities.
2020.09.15
🟧 ICO
​In re Unikrn, Inc., No. 3-20003 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.09.15)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of UnikoinGold token to enhance features on a gaming platform and secondary trading market. $6.1 million disgorgement.
2020.09.10
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
🟦 MM
​SEC v. FLiK, No. 1:20-cv-03739 (N.D. Ga. 2020.09.10)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered ICO. Funds were misappropriated to purchase luxury goods and real estate for personal use.
2020.08.18
🟫 UBD
​SEC v. Millan, No. 1:20-cv-06575 (S.D.N.Y. 2020.08.18)
– Press Release​
Unregistered broker-dealing in AirBit, a pyramid scheme to purportedly achieve high returns through algorithmic digital asset day-trading by robots.
2020.08.13
🟧 ICO
​In re Kelvin Boon, LLC, No. 3-19913 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.08.13)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of Boon Coins to develop a software platform to connect employers with freelancers.
2020.07.13
⭕️ Other
​In re Plutus Financial Inc., No. 3-19873 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.07.13)
Sale of securities-based swaps to ineligible participants, in violation of Securities Act § 5(e), and effecting transactions in those swaps outside of registered exchanges in violation of Exchange Act § 6(l).
2020.06.25
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. NAC Foundation, LLC, No. 3:20-cv-04188 (N.D. Cal. 2020.06.25)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered ICO of "AML BitCoin," a purportedly compliant-focused token, when it had not developed this technology; founders misappropriated funds for personal use.
2020.06.25
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Abramoff, No. 3:20-cv-04190 (N.D. Cal. 2020.06.25)
- Related admin. proceeding.
Personal action against promoter of NAC Foundation, LLC's scheme, above.
2020.06.16
🟥 F
​SEC v. Hvizdzak Capital Management, LLC, No. 1:20-cv-00154 (W.D. Pa. 2020.06.16)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent offering of securities in crypto investment fund by misrepresenting fund performance, forging financial statements and audit documents.
2020.05.28
🟧 ICO

​In re BitClave PTE Ltd., No. 3-19816 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.05.28)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of CAT tokens to fund blockchain-based search platform for targeted consumer advertising.
2020.05.07
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Putnam, No. 2:20-cv-00301 (D. Utah 2020.05.07)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent offering of securities in purported crypto mining operation, crypto trading packages, and misappropriation of funds.
2020.04.23
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Dropil Inc., No. 8:20-cv-00793 (C.D. Cal. 2020.04.23) 
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered sales of DROP tokens. None of the promoted, underlying technology ever existed. Founders took funds for personal use.
2020.03.16
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Meta 1 Coin Trust, No. 1:20-cv-00273 (W.D. Tex. 2020.03.16)
– Press Release​
Injunction to stop promoters of fraudulent ICO in Meta 1 Coin, which was backed by nothing.
2020.02.27
🟩 AT
​In re Seagal, No. 3-19712 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.02.27)
– Press Release​
Anti-touting action against actor Steven Seagal re B2G coin ICO.
2020.02.19
🟧 ICO
​In re Enigma MPC, No. 3-19702 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2020.02.19)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of the ENG Tokens promising to use funds to develop a digital asset trade-testing platform and crypto data marketplace.
2020.02.11
🟥 F
​SEC v. Ackerman, No. 1:20-cv-01181 (S.D.N.Y. 2020.02.11)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent offering of pooled investment in cryptocurrencies, run as a Ponzi scheme.
2020.01.21
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Grybniak, No. 1:20-cv-00327 (E.D.N.Y. 2020.01.21)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent ICO of OPP Tokens through misrepresentations about the business and tech, targeting small businesses.
2020.01.17
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Manor, No. 2:20-cv-00597-SRC-CLW (D.N.J. 2020.01.17)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent ICO of BCT Tokens, purportedly to develop tech for hedge funds.
2019.12.18
🟧 US
​In re Blockchain of Things, Inc., No. 3-19621 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.12.18)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of BCOT tokens.
2019.12.11
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Eyal, No. 1:19-cv-11325 (S.D.N.Y. 2019.12.11)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered offering of Shopin tokens for purported creation of blockchain-based "universal shopper profile." 
2019.10.31
⭕️ Other
🟫 UBD
​In re XBT Corp Sarl, No. 3-19592 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.31)
Unregistered purchase and sale of security-based swaps, including purchases made with bitcoin, in violation of Securities Act § 5(e), and effecting transactions in those swaps outside of registered exchanges in violation of Exchange Act § 6(l).
2019.10.11
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Telegram Group, Inc., No.  1:19-cv-09439 (S.D.N.Y. 2019.10.11) 
– Press Release
– Preliminary Injunction granted at SEC v. Telegram Group, Inc., 448 F. Supp. 3d 352 (S.D.N.Y. 2020).
Preliminary injunction to prevent $1.7 billion token distribution. Settled for $1.2 billion return to investors and $18.5 million civil penalty.
2019.09.30
🟧 US
​In re Nebulous, Inc., No. 3-19569 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.09.30)
Unregistered sale of "Siastock" and "SiaNotes" to support development of a decentralized cloud data storage technology.
2019.09.30
🟧 ICO
​In re Block.one, No. 3-19568 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.09.30)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO to support development of EOSIO software, an operating system designed to support public or private blockchains. $24M penalty.
2019.09.20
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Lucas, No. 1:19-cv-08771 (S.D.N.Y. 2019.09.20)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent ICO of FM tokens, purportedly for an adult entertainment "fantasy marketplace."
2019.09.18
🟧 ICO
🟫 UBD
​SEC v. ICOBox, No. 2:19-cv-08066 (C.D. Cal. 2019.09.18)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of ICOS tokens to provide services to digital asset startups that could not afford them; unregistered broker-dealer activities for its clients' tokens.
2019.08.29
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Bitqyck, Inc., No. 3:19-cv-02059 (N.D. Tex. 2019.08.29)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered offering of Bitqy and BitqyM tokens.
2019.08.20
🟩 AT
​In re ICO Rating, No. 3-19366 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.08.20)
– Press Release​
ICO Rating purported to provide neutral evaluations of ICOs but in fact received, but failed to disclose, compensation as a promoter.
2019.08.12
🟧 US
​In re SimplyVital Health, Inc., No. 3-19332 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.08.12)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of securities to support development of Health Nexus, a blockchain protocol through which healthcare providers could share patient data.
2019.08.12
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Middleton, No. 1:19-cv-04625-WFK-RER (E.D.N.Y. 2019.08.12)
– Press Release​
Emergency injunction action to stop dissipation of proceeds of fraudulent ICO of VERI Tokens. Court granted the injunction and the case settled.
2019.06.05
🟥 F
​SEC v. Longfin Corp., No. 1:19-cv-05296 (S.D.N.Y. 2019.06.05)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent pump-and-dump scheme effected by announcing acquisition of a sham cryptocurrency company, Ziddu.com.
2019.06.04
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Kik Interactive Inc., No. 1:19-cv-05244 (S.D.N.Y. 2019.06.04)
– Press Release
– Summary judgment granted at SEC v. Kik Interactive Inc., 492 F. Supp. 3d 169 (S.D.N.Y. 2020)
Unregistered sales of Kin tokens, raising $100 million. Sales proceeds to be used to fund development of goods and services marketplace by Kik, an otherwise failing mobile messaging application. SEC prevails on summary judgment. The final judgment imposes restrictions on Kik's reserve allocation of tokens and includes a $5 million fine.
2019.05.22
🟥 F
🟧 US

​SEC v. Pacheco, No. 5:19-cv-00958-MWF-AFM (C.D. Cal. 2019.05.22)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent MLM pyramid scheme, in which investors were promised ability to convert recruitment points into the "PRO Currency," a cryptocurrency purportedly to be used in a new ecosystem of e-commerce transactions. Proceeds of sales misappropriated for personal use. 
2019.05.14
🟥 F
​In re NextBlock Global Ltd., No. 3-19164 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.05.14)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent sale of convertible debentures in crypto investment company; misrepresentations about advisors to the company.
2019.05.13
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Natural Diamonds Investment Co., No. 9:19-cv-80633 (S.D. Fla. 2019.05.13)
– Press Release​
Among other frauds, fraudulent, unregistered offering of Argyle Coin, a cryptocurrency purportedly backed by fancy diamonds.
2019.04.29
⭕️ Other
​In re Bitcoin Generation, Inc., Release No. 85739 (Exchange Act 2019.04.29)
Trading halted in BTGN based on concerns about accuracy and adequacy of disclosures.
2019.04.01
🟥 F
🟧 US
​In re Mutual Coin Fund LLC, No. 3-19127 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.04.01)
– 
Unregistered sale of digital asset investment fund, including misrepresentations about the amount of money raised and the size of other investors' positions.
2019.02.20
🟧 ICO
​In re Gladius Network LLC, No. 3-19004 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2019.02.20)
– Press Release​
Unregistered offer and sale of GLA tokens for use in a network of cybersecurity services. Due to self-reporting and remedial measures, no penalty imposed.
2018.12.07
🟧 US
​In re CoinAlpha Advisors LLC, No. 3-18913 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.12.07)
Unregistered sale of investment fund focused on digital assets.
2018.11.29
🟩 AT
​In re Floyd Mayweather, Jr., No. 3-18906 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.11.29)
– Press Release​
Undisclosed payments received in exchange for promoting ICOs.
2018.11.29
🟩 AT
​In re Khaled Khaled (DJ Khaled), No. 3-18907 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.11.29)
– Press Release​
Undisclosed payments received in exchange for promoting ICOs.
2018.11.16
🟧 ICO
​In re Paragon Coin, Inc., No. 3-18897 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.11.16)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of PRG tokens to implement Paragon's business plan to add blockchain technology to the cannabis industry and work towards legalization of cannabis.
2018.11.16
🟧 ICO
​In re CarrierEQ, Inc., No. 3-18898 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.11.16)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of AirTokens to fund development of blockchain-based system for prepaid mobile phone users to earn free or discounted airtime or data by interacting with ads.
2018.11.08
⭕️ = Other
​In re Zachary Coburn, No. 3-18888 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.11.08)
– Press Release​
Enforcement against creator of EtherDelta, a ERC20 and ETH exchange, for failing to register the exchange. $300k disgorgement, $75k penalty.
2018.10.05
🟥 F
⭕️ = Other
​SEC v. Saint James Holding and Investment Company Trust, No. 2:18-mc-00135-SJO-AS (C.D. Cal. 2018.10.05)
Application for order compelling responses to SEC investigation into fraudulent pump-and-dump scheme related to announcement of $100 million in financing obtained to fund an ICO.
2018.10.03
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Blockvest, LLC, No. 3:18-cv-02287 (S.D. Cal. 2018.10.03)
– Press Release​
Emergency injunction action to stop anregistered, fraudulent ICO purporting to be the "first [U.S.] licensed and regulated tokenized crypto currency exchange and index fund."
2018.09.27
🟫 UBD
⭕️ = Other
​SEC v. 1Pool Ltd., No. 1:18-cv-02244 (D.D.C. 2018.09.27)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sales of securities swaps only buyable using bitcoin.
2018.09.11
🟧 ICO
⭕️ = Other
​In re Crypto Asset Management, LP, No. 3-18740 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.09.11)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sales of securities in the form of a digital asset investment fund; violations of the Investment Company Act.
2018.09.11
🟫 UBD
🟧 US

​In re TokenLot, LLC, No. 3-18739 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.09.11)
– Press Release​
SEC’s first case charging unregistered broker-dealers for selling digital tokens after the SEC issued The DAO Report in 2017 cautioning that those who offer and sell digital securities must comply with the federal securities laws.
2018.08.14
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​In re Tomahawk Exploration, LLC, No. 3-18641 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2018.08.14)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent, unregistered ICO of TOM coins purportedly related to an oil and gas drilling venture.
2018.05.22
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Titanium Blockchain Infrastructure Servs. Inc., No. 2:18-cv-04315 (C.D. Cal. 2018.05.22)
– Press Release​
Emergency injunction action to freeze $20+ million of proceeds in fraudulent ICO of BAR tokens; misrepresentations on backers and intellectual property, among others.
2018.04.04
⭕️ = Other
​SEC. v. Longfin Corp., No. 1:18-cv-02977-DLC (S.D.N.Y. 2018.04.04)
– Press Release 1, 2

Emergency action to freeze $27 million in proceeds of pump-and-dump scheme based on purchase of a sham blockchain microfinance company Ziddu.com.
2018.04.02
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
​SEC v. Sharma, No. 1:18-cv-02909 (S.D.N.Y. 2018.04.02)
– Press Release 1, 2​
Fraudulent, unregistered ICO of Center Tokens (CTR) based on misrepresentations about fictitious executives and relationships with Visa, Mastercard, and Bancorp.
2018.02.21
🟥 F
🟧 US
🟪 CP
⭕️ = Other
​SEC v. Montroll, No. 1:18-cv-01582 (S.D.N.Y. 2018.02.21)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent operation of an unregistered securities exchange (users paid in bitcoin), and unregistered sales of security investments in the exchange.
2018.01.25
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
🟪 CP
​SEC v. AriseBank, No. 3:18-cv-00186 (N.D. Tex. 2018.01.25)
– Press Release​
Emergency action to stop fraudulent ICO of the first "decentralized bank," including false representations about FDIC coverage, and appoint a receiver. The two officers settled, agreeing to pay ~$2.7 million in disgorgement and penalties and industry bars.
2017.12.11
🟧 ICO
​In re Munchee Inc., No. 3-18304 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2017.12.11)
– Press Release​
Unregistered ICO of MUN tokens that raised ~$15 million in capital; tokens would fuel ecosystem buying advertisements, writing reviews, selling food and conducting other transactions using MUN.
2017.12.01
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
🟪 CP
​SEC v. Plexcorps, No. 1:17-cv-07007 (E.D.N.Y. 2017.12.01)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent sale of PlexCoin, including promises of a 1,354% return in 29 days and misappropriation of funds.
2017.09.29
🟥 F
🟧 ICO
🟪 CP
​SEC v. Recoin Group Foundation, LLC, No. 1:17-cv-05725 (E.D.N.Y. 2017.09.29)
– Press Release​
Emergency action to halt fraudulent ICOs to fund purported conversions of fiat into digital currency backed by real estate or diamonds.
2017.07.25
🟧 US
​Report of Investigation Into The DAO, Exch. Act Release No. 81207 (SEC 2017.07.25)
– Press Release
– Statement by Divisions of Corporation Finance and Enforcement
Report concerning the application of the U.S. federal securities laws to the offer and sale of DAO Tokens, which were virtual tokens created and distributed on a blockchain by an entity called “The DAO.” No enforcement action taken but multiple warnings issued to industry participants.
2017.06.30
🟥 F
🟫 UBD
🟪 CP
​SEC v. Haddow, No. 1:17-cv-04950 (S.D.N.Y. 2017.06.30)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent sales of securities by an unregistered broker dealer, promising secure trading in bitcoin, but instead diverting 80%+ of funds raised.
2016.07.11
⭕️ = Other
​In re Bitcoin Investment Trust, No. 3-17335 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2016.07.11)
Violations of Regulation M of the Exchange Act in connection with purchases and redemptions of shares of Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT).
2015.12.01
🟥 F
🟧 US
​SEC v. Garza, No. 3:15-cv-01760 (D. Conn. 2015.12.01)
– Press Release​
Fraudulent sales of "Hashlets" securities that promised proceeds of bitcoin mining operation. Settled with nearly $10 million disgorgement.
2015.06.17
⭕️ = Other
​In re Sand Hill Exchange, No. 3-16598 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2015.06.17)
– Press Release​
Unregistered securities swaps where accounts could be funded by dollars or bitcoins.
2014.12.08
🟫 UBD
⭕️ = Other
​In re BTC Trading, Corp, No. 3-16307 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2014.12.08)
– Press Release​
Unregistered securities exchanges / broker dealers that operated by receiving client funds through bitcoin and litecoin.
2014.06.03
🟧 US

​In re Voorhees, No. 3-15902 (SEC Admin. Proc. 2014.06.03)
– Press Release​
Unregistered sale of shares in two companies, SatoshiDICE and FeedZeBirds, which were sold in exchange for bitcoin. $50k combined disgorgement and penalty.