Celsius files new appeal against Judge order denying $444m claim on FTX damages

As an analyst with over two decades of experience in the financial industry and a keen interest in the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrencies, I find myself intrigued by the latest development in the ongoing saga between Celsius Network and FTX. The appeal filed by Celsius Network against Judge Dorsey’s ruling dismissing their $444 million claim for damages is a testament to the resilience of these companies amidst the turbulent crypto market.

Having closely followed the fall of several high-profile crypto lenders in recent years, I can empathize with Celsius Network’s desire to seek justice and recover losses stemming from allegedly damaging statements made by FTX officers. However, as a seasoned analyst, I recognize that the legal process is often complex and time-consuming, especially when it comes to bankruptcy proceedings.

The decision to decrease the claim amount from $2 billion to $444 million shows a pragmatic approach by Celsius Network, focusing on restoring preferential transfers for certain creditors. This is a prudent move, as it not only demonstrates their commitment to their stakeholders but also increases their chances of success in the appeal process.

It’s worth noting that FTX debtors have denied Celsius’ claims due to insufficient proof initially provided by the firm. As an analyst, I understand the importance of thorough documentation and substantiation when making financial claims, especially in such high-stakes cases. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the appeal process.

Lastly, the ongoing legal troubles for Celsius’ former CEO Alex Mashinsky underscore the challenges these companies face in navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the crypto industry. As a humorist at heart, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony – if the price manipulation allegations against Mashinsky prove true, it seems he may have “CEL-ebrated” too soon!

After Judge John Dorsey rejected a $444 million damage claim by defunct cryptocurrency lender Celsius Network regarding FTX, the company has now filed an appeal notice. This information comes from an FTX creditor advocate.

The records indicate that a cryptocurrency lending service has submitted an appeal notice, contesting Judge John Dorsey’s decision that dismissed Celsius’ claims for compensation totaling approximately $444 million from FTX. This legal proceeding is connected to FTX’s ongoing bankruptcy case, where they aim to recover losses from the collapsed crypto exchange headed by Sam Bankman-Fried.

As per the court filing made by Mohsin Meghji, the administrator for Celsius Network’s legal disputes, Celsius initially claimed potential damages worth up to $2 billion. This claim was based on allegedly unfounded and damaging remarks about Celsius’ financial health and balance sheet, which were reportedly made by FTX executives. According to the lawyers of Celsius, these statements may have hastened Celsius’ bankruptcy in 2022.

Prior to the specified deadline, Celsius reduced the claimed amount to approximately $444 million. The crypto lending company explained this move was aimed at addressing “preferential transfers,” a strategy designed to prioritize payments to specific creditors over others in an effort to restore their financial position.

The document indicates that FTX debtors rejected Celsius’ assertions as they felt the initial evidence provided by the company was insufficient to support their claim. Moreover, the amended proposal from $2 billion to $444 million was seen as submitted too late and deemed unacceptable.

Celsius contends that the initial evidence provided is sufficient to fulfill the essential conditions as stated in the Bankruptcy Code, and it alerts debtors of the necessary information.

In December, Judge Dorsey rejected, on both occasions, a $444 million revised claim and an initial $2 billion claim filed by Celsius. He explained that the original evidence supporting their claim of FTX damages was insufficient because it consisted merely of a single sentence referring to investigating preference claims.

Additionally, the court determined that the revised evidence submitted by Celsius in July lacked legitimacy because it was unrelated to the initial claims. Furthermore, Celsius failed to request permission to make amendments or offer an explanation for the delay in filing.

Reflecting on the events of November 2024, I found myself as a crypto investor witnessing a significant development with Celsius. They publicly committed to dispersing a substantial sum of $127 million, drawn from their litigation recovery account, to their creditors. In the same month, a federal judge in New York made an unfavorable decision for Celsius’ former CEO, Alex Mashinsky, denying his attempt to dismiss two allegations of fraud.

Mashinsky is being charged with artificially inflating the value of Celsius’ native token, CEL, through fraudulent activities. He now faces allegations of wire fraud and market manipulation after the failure of the crypto lending company, which could potentially result in a combined prison sentence of up to 115 years if found guilty.

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2025-01-02 11:01