Genesis transactions and ties with Barry Silbert probed by New York AG: Report

Digital Currency Group (DCG) is currently facing an investigation into the financial transactions of its subsidiary, Genesis Global Capital. New York Attorney General Letitia James is reportedly leading the investigation, with federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission also involved. The investigation focuses on loans and other transactions between DCG and Genesis.

Last year, DCG disclosed that it had received approximately $575 million in loans from Genesis. The investigation also centers around a letter to shareholders from DCG’s founder and CEO, Barry Silbert, in which he mentioned a $1.1 billion promissory note. This note was linked to DCG assuming liabilities from Genesis related to the collapse of the hedge fund Three Arrows Capital.

The disclosure of the promissory note to investors is a key aspect of the investigation. Former acting U.S. Attorney Seth DuCharme is representing DCG in this case. It is currently unclear whether formal complaints will be filed as a result of these investigations.

In response to the investigation, DCG’s spokesperson stated that the company is cooperating with regulatory bodies and investigative agencies. They also emphasized that transactions between DCG and Genesis were always structured based on prevailing market interest rates and on an arm’s length basis.

Genesis, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, is the largest unsecured creditor of FTX and its affiliates. The company faced liquidity issues during the bear market and the collapse of notable crypto firms, including Three Arrows Capital and FTX. During its bankruptcy filing, Genesis estimated liabilities of $1 billion to $10 billion, along with assets in the same range.

Genesis and FTX recently reached an agreement to settle their dispute, with Genesis being owed $226 million by FTX and its affiliates.

DCG is a major player in the crypto industry, with a portfolio including Grayscale, Genesis, and CoinDesk, among 200 other crypto-related companies. The company also holds equity in other businesses such as the crypto exchange Luno and advisory firm Foundry.

As the investigation into the financial transactions involving Genesis and DCG continues, the crypto community will be watching closely to see if any formal complaints are filed and what the implications might be for both companies. Cooperation with regulatory and investigative agencies will be key for DCG as it navigates through this scrutiny.

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