The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has conducted an unprecedented investigation, resulting in the charging of three crypto companies and several individuals with fraud and market manipulation.
Investigation Details
The FBI created a new digital token to expose criminal activities within the crypto sector. This led to charges against Gotbit, ZM Quant, and CLS Global, as well as their leaders and employees.
Charges and Arrests
Federal prosecutors in Boston announced four arrests, five guilty pleas, and the seizure of over $25 million in cryptocurrency. Joshua Levy noted that the defendants engaged in sham trades to artificially inflate token trading volumes.
Further Actions
The investigation also involved the FBI setting up a company called NexFundAI to monitor token manipulation. The SEC has filed civil suits against the companies involved.
The case continues to unfold with arrests and charges against key figures, highlighting the importance of transparency and compliance in the crypto space.