?>

Tether Scores Major Legal Win in Trillion Market Manipulation Case

1.7 k views
Tether Scores Major Legal Win in Trillion Market Manipulation Case

Market manipulation by significant exchanges throughout the world has been a critical issue for most crypto traders. More so, the underdogs in the crypto industry are at a wild toll. Crypto whales only require to move a massive amount of crypto to determine how the marketing strategies go. Recently, Tether and Bitfinex found themselves in a spot concerning the same.

Both blockchains have been in a fix. The two professors acting as plaintiffs declared their lawsuit against Tether and Bitfinex for market manipulation. Also, they believe that these orders would have otherwise crippled both blockchains.

However, recently the court dismissed half of the plaintiffs’ claims brought in front of the court. Furthermore, Tether and Bitfinex have managed a $1 trillion win on the court case. Now, all that’s missing is the confirmation that both blockchains have not been part of the ongoing manipulation claims. In that case, what do we have to say about the constant conviction against Tether? Stay tuned to get my opinion.

The Market Manipulation Allegations

The authorities filed this case against Tether and Bitfinex back in 2019 for extensive market manipulation. The two platforms faced claims of issuing unregistered USDT tokens to control the markets. As a result, it allegedly led to traders losing over 1 trillion in US dollars. According to both platforms, this move was a poor attempt at defaming their steps to protect the markets from bad outcomes.

Both went to Twitter to defend the claims presented before the Southern District of New York court on 7 October 2019. The two plaintiffs published a paper suggesting Tether and Bitfinex’s steps to manipulate Bitcoin’s prices.

The case has been ongoing for the past two years, being the second accusation both platforms face. In 2018, the DOJ looked into other claims concerning the exact charges.

The companies used the profits to buy BTC to boost the king coin’s prices. Moreover, they stated that a part of USDT tokens in circulation was not USD backed in its reserves. Bitfinex clearly indicated that all USDT tokens issued on its platform are fully supported. Furthermore, it went ahead to clear its name and that of its affiliates, including its parent company, iFinex. Tether also took a step to prove its innocence by providing bank statements to support its claims of innocence.

About Tether and Bitfinex

Tether is a blockchain known for distributing the largest stablecoin globally, the USDT token. On the other hand, Bitfinex is among the most notable crypto exchanges in the market today, offering different services for traders. Both platforms are under the control of iFinex, a company based in the British Virgin Islands.

IFinex offers an extensive array of crypto-related services globally, including IEOs, trading, funding, OTC services, to mention but a few. Bitfinex stands among the top ten exchanges, with advanced trading options viable for pro traders. Under its wing are various contributors to its foundation, well-versed within the financial sector.

Court Dismisses Filed Accusations

The New York District Court recently dismissed half of the plaintiffs’ accusations, stating that there lacked enough evidence to sustain their claims. However, in February, the New York attorney general Letitia James stilled charged Tether for covering up its losses to prevent investor confidence from dwindling.

In turn, the USDT issuer had to pay up a fine of $18.5 million. Furthermore, the attorney general stated that The US dollars had not fully backed Tether in its reserve. For this, she pointed out that both platforms were not entirely without fault as they increased the risk investors would undergo. As per her Twitter post following these charges, the attorney general halted Tether and Bitfinex’s trading within New York.

The class-action case still stands to be detrimental to the platforms if the plaintiffs find enough to stand against them. At the moment, the court still states that both show an inclination to manipulation, fraud, and other actions against the Commodities Exchange Act. This conclusion comes from the plaintiffs’ extensive trading charts and examples to stand with their allegations.

Tether is grateful to Judge Katherine Polk Failla for pointing out certain loopholes in the plaintiffs’ allegations. This October, there is yet another hearing covering the second part of the case. It may either be evident Tether and Bitfinex of all charges or put them in a questionable situation.

What Does This Mean for Tether and The Crypto Market?

Considering that Tether is one of the most respected and traded digital currencies in the crypto market, Tether defends its name in a manipulation case. Additionally, half the charges have been nullified does not mean that the platform is entirely out of the rocky grounds.

Bitcoin coin symbol
Btc
Bitcoin
$62.547
price
red chart
decrease symbol0.84959%
price change
TRADE NOW

On the other hand, the same actions could halt all trading on Bitfinex within the US. Considering the large user base that the country presents, this would be a disaster for the platform. Nonetheless, the case points favor Bitfinex and Tether, following the judge’s reaction to the claims.

Previous

Polygon’s Active Addresses Overtake ETH Amid Crypto Gaming Mania

Next

Jorge Masvidal Awards Fighters in Bitcoin at Bare-Knuckle MMA Event

Written by

125 posts

Tanveer Zafar is an experienced writer, passionate about covering topics about Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Markets. He has five years of writing experience in these areas of interest.

VIEW AUTHOR

More author posts

How Users Earn Cryptocurrency with Instars.com

In recent times, blockchain technology continues to gain traction in almost every industry area, with digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum being the most prominent in the cryptocurrency space. But, as the world evolves, so does the trend in the crypto market. Today, significantly more people are sourcing for new digital currencies that would potentially expand and appreciate. One of these leading platforms is Instars.com, a cryptocurrency that drives the Instar Blockchain. What is Instar? Instar is an innovative digital…

DeFi Yield Protocol Announces KyberDMM Partnership and New Contracts

DeFi Yield Protocol (DYP) has teamed up with KyberDMM DEX to increase token liquidity on Avalanche. In a two-month-long campaign, users may earn up to $300,000 in $DYP and $KNC liquidity mining rewards. DYP and KyberDMM for Increased Liquidity KyberDMM (Kyber Dynamic Market Maker) is a cutting-edge, capital-efficient DEX protocol. Its primary goal is to increase liquidity with amplified pools and maximize returns for liquidity providers (LPs) with dynamic fees. The protocol’s main liquidity mining campaign is "Rainmaker," running on…

TA: What Do the Indicators Say About October’s Market Rally?

October is off to an impressive start for the crypto space. Coin prices are on a significant high, showing possible momentum. However, this isn’t the first time that the market will start strong. Investors are skeptical about this rise, so they will want to check how the market performs. The Chinese Saga Continues The biggest story right now is the Chinese crackdown. This isn’t the first time that China will announce a crackdown on the crypto space, of course. Beijing…

India’s Crypto Market Thrives as Large Institutions and DeFi Dominate

A rise in demand for digital coins in India might help the crypto landscape flourish in the region. For instance, the nation is currently leading the expansion of cryptocurrency markets. Also, a report from Chainalysis showed that India's market grew by 641% over the past year. Fastest-Growing Crypto Region Chainalysis’ records show that Institutional investors are driving India's cryptocurrency market expansion. Additionally, increasing decentralized finance activity has been one of its few catalysts. According to Quantstamp's Sriram, DeFi activity continues…

Brazil Introduces Firm Guidelines on Crypto-Related Financial Crimes

Brazil's Chamber of Deputies imposed new rules on crimes involving cryptocurrencies. The new guidelines include harsher penalties which increase from one to two-thirds. By introducing this law, Brazil could fight against laundering activities using digital currencies. The bill awaits review from the Plenary of the Chamber before passing it into law. A New Age of Regulation in Brazil? As of now, laundering suspects face a jail term of three to ten years. The culprits also attract heavy fines for engaging…

The Best Countries for Crypto Mining Now that China is Out

Cryptocurrency mining remains profitable. However, it has come under significant scrutiny in the past few months. Things took a turn for the worse when the Chinese government hit mining. Beijing cracked down on mining this year by continuing its hardline stance on the crypto industry. A Long Way Here The nuances between China and mining are pretty interesting. For years, Beijing has made it clear that cryptocurrencies aren’t welcome in the country. First, it released a circular in 2017 confirming…

Publish your own article

Guest post article. Guaranteed publishing with just a few clicks

START PUBLISHING ADVERTISE WITH US

Browse categories

Explore trending topics in the crypto community right now.

Bitcoin

SEC Greenlights Multiple Bitcoin ETFs, Signaling Major Leap for Cryptocurrency Markets

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has made a landmark decision by approving 11 spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move represents a significant moment in the cryptocurrency industry, marking a shift towards greater institutional adoption and accessibility for investors. The approved ETFs include products from major firms such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, Bitwise Bitcoin ETP Trust, WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust, VanEck Bitcoin Trust, Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin…

Bitcoin Should be Banned in the United States: Charlie Munger

Berkshire Hathaway’s vice chairman, Charlie Munger, called for a ban on cryptocurrency in the United States on Monday, similar to the one in China.  In an op-ed published with the Wall Street Journal, Munger argued that Bitcoin isn’t a currency, commodity, or security, but simply a form of gambling “ with a nearly 100% edge for the house. As such, the enactment of a federal law should ban such things from happening. Munger cited the Chinese communist party’s ban on…

Tesla’s BTC Positions Remained Unchanged in Q4 of 2022

According to a new earning report from automotive manufacturer Tesla, the company did not sell any of its BTC holdings in the fourth quarter of 2022. Amid speculations that the company had traded BTC during the testing bears, CEO Elon Musk revealed it was yet holding on to its BTC stash. Tesla Maintains Holdings After Initial Sell-Off In Q2 of 2022, Tesla opted to sell 75% of all its BTC. The car manufacturer received close to $950M in exchange. Notably,…

Here’s When Grayscale Debates the SEC in Court on its Bitcoin Spot ETF

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has marked a date for when Grayscale and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may present oral arguments regarding the approval of a Bitcoin spot ETF.  Each side will present its case at 9:30 am ET on March 7, with the SEC arguing against the product, and Grayscale arguing in favor.  Grayscale VS SEC The court date – revealed in a court order filed on Monday according to CNBC – is much earlier…

MORE ARTICLES

Ethereum

Ethereum’s Zhejiang Staking Withdrawal Testnet for Shanghai is Live

At 15:00 UTC on Wednesday, the much-anticipated Zhejiang testnet for staking withdrawal went live on Ethereum’s Beacon chain. Zhejiang will enable the testing of the Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 4895 which allows for staking withdrawals. This is in preparation for the network’s next major update, the Shanghai hard fork slated to launch sometime in March. Users Can Make Simulated Withdrawals with Zhejiang In a tweet yesterday, DevOps engineer at Ethereum foundation Barnabas Busa gave details about the Zhejiang testnet slated…

Ethereum Devs Disagree Over Technical Tweak as Shanghai Upgrade Nears

Post-merge Ethereum users have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the network’s next major upgrade, Shanghai. However, after over 3 months of prep time, it appears the Shanghai rollout isn’t going as smoothly as expected. What Exactly is the Shanghai Upgrade? In September last year, the much-publicized Ethereum Merge also known as the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade went live. Ethereum underwent some significant changes as its consensus mechanism transitioned from proof-of-work to a cost-efficient proof-of-stake system.  However, since the Beacon launch…

FTX Hacker Converts 50k Stolen ETH to BTC

Per a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, the attacker behind the Nov 11 FTX exploit, is converting the stolen ETH to Bitcoin. There were muted fears the seemingly inexperienced perpetrator could dump all its ETH holdings. On Sunday, the attacker dumped 50k ETH on-chain, with ETH's price dipping by almost 7%.  https://twitter.com/chainalysis/status/1594349583416840199?s=20&t=pgvQHeVytI20eKQ1ls9bxw Hacker Moves 50,000 ETH to New Address Over the past week, the perpetrator had been steadily swapping the cryptocurrencies they had carted off for Ether tokens. This…

Censorship Concerns: 51% of Ethereum Blocks Now OFAC Compliant

According to new data, over half of the blocks on the Ethereum network now reportedly comply with the US Treasury OFAC’s standards. This comes roughly a month after the platform’s monumental merge update. Phasing Out Tornado Cash The Office of Foreign Assets Control is the intelligence and enforcement agency of the US  Treasury Department. Indeed, the OFAC administers and enforces US  financial sanctions. A prime example of this is the recent, highly-publicized ban on crypto mixer Tornado Cash.  According to…

MORE ARTICLES

Trading

How to Leverage Arbitrage Opportunities in Crypto Markets

Cryptocurrency arbitrage has become an increasingly popular investment strategy as the crypto market grows and evolves. Arbitrage involves taking advantage of pricing discrepancies between markets or exchanges to profit.  Investors can leverage profit opportunities by understanding cryptocurrency arbitrage while managing associated risks. In this guide, we'll explore cryptocurrency arbitrage and how it works. A Bitcoin-related example will help us illustrate the concepts of this strategy. What is Arbitrage and How Does it Work in Crypto Markets Crypto arbitrage trading is…

The Different Types of Copy Trading in Crypto

Are you interested in trading cryptocurrencies but feel intimidated by the complexity of the process? Copy trading is a great way to get into crypto without needing to be an experienced trader. With copy trading, investors can benefit from the experience and knowledge of more experienced traders, allowing even beginners to succeed. How does copy trading work, and which tips do you need to know to succeed? In this article, we'll explore all aspects of copy trading in crypto. What…

How to Spot an Unsafe Crypto Exchange

Cryptocurrency exchanges have become increasingly popular as they provide a platform for people to buy and sell digital assets. Unfortunately, not all crypto exchanges are safe or reliable.  With the rise of cybercrime and fraud, you must learn to spot an unsafe crypto exchange before investing your money. This guide will help beginners identify and avoid potential risks when selecting a cryptocurrency exchange.  The Role of Crypto Exchanges on the Digital Assets Market Cryptocurrency exchanges play a crucial role in…

What Is Grid Trading in Crypto?

Crypto grid trading has become a popular strategy because of its ability to help traders capitalize on market volatility. Grid trading means you can produce consistent profits by taking advantage of price differences in different markets or time frames. By establishing buy and sell orders at predetermined intervals, you can take advantage of these fluctuations in an automated way. This guide will explore the different aspects of grid trading and provide an overview of its benefits, challenges, and more. Through…

MORE ARTICLES

Tech

Introducing una Messenger: A Paradigm Shift in Blockchain Connectivity

The digital landscape is set for an unprecedented transformation with the introduction of una Messenger, the latest innovation from web3 development powerhouse Wemade. This platform represents an evolution of the "PAPYRUS Messenger," serving as the cornerstone of the ambitious "unagi" initiative, aimed at catalyzing the mass adoption of blockchain technology. The "Unbound Networking & Accelerating Growth Initiative" seeks to bridge the divides between diverse blockchain services and networks, heralding a new era of interconnectedness. A New Frontier in Blockchain Communication…

Bit2Me Champions WEMIX Token in Pioneering European Listing

Bit2Me, Spain's premier virtual asset exchange, has recently broadened the horizons for cryptocurrency enthusiasts by listing WEMIX, the cornerstone token of the WEMIX3.0 blockchain ecosystem. This marks a notable achievement as WEMIX's inaugural venture into the European market, emphasizing the token's role in facilitating a range of blockchain-based activities, from gaming transactions to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Launched with the intention to democratize access to WEMIX for the 450 million Spanish speakers around the globe, this strategic move aligns with…

CryptoVirally Expands with Fresh Crypto Marketing Offers and Cointelegraph Upgrades

In an exciting update for the cryptocurrency marketing landscape, CryptoVirally has announced a series of new entries and enhancements to its already comprehensive range of services. These updates, aimed at providing tailored marketing solutions for crypto projects, include new limited-time offers and expanded options for Cointelegraph publications. Limited Offers: A Game-Changer in Crypto Marketing  CryptoVirally's limited offers section presents an enticing opportunity for crypto projects to leverage high-impact marketing services at discounted rates. These offers, available for a limited period,…

Breaking Boundaries in Blockchain: WEMIX’s ‘una Wallet’ Sets New Standard for Multi-Chain Asset Management

The WEMIX Foundation has unveiled 'una Wallet,' a revolutionary digital wallet designed to offer unparalleled convenience and security in managing digital assets across various blockchain networks. The announcement, made on January 17, 2024, signifies a new era in the seamless integration of multiple blockchain protocols, including Arbitrum, Avalanche, BNB Smart Chain, Ethereum, Kroma, Optimism, Polygon, and WEMIX3.0. 'una Wallet' is more than just a digital wallet; it represents the culmination of WEMIX's innovative efforts in the blockchain space. It serves…

MORE ARTICLES