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Celsius vs. Tether: $3.5 Billion Lawsuit Over Bitcoin Collateral Sparks Controversy

Celsius sues Tether for $3.5 billion over alleged misappropriation of Bitcoin collateral during bankruptcy. Explore the legal battle and its potential implications.

The cryptocurrency world is no stranger to high-stakes legal battles, and the latest clash between Celsius and Tether is no exception. In a lawsuit that has garnered significant attention, Celsius, the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange, is suing Tether for approximately $3.5 billion. The lawsuit centers around the liquidation of Bitcoin collateral during Celsius' bankruptcy proceedings, with Celsius alleging that Tether mishandled the assets. Tether, on the other hand, strongly denies these claims, setting the stage for a legal showdown that could have far-reaching implications.


Logo of Celsius Network, the cryptocurrency exchange involved in a $3.5 billion lawsuit against Tether.
Celsius files a $3.5 billion lawsuit against Tether over alleged misappropriation of Bitcoin collateral.

Key Points:


  1. Celsius' Allegations:

    • Celsius claims that during its bankruptcy, it provided Tether with 39,542.42 BTC as collateral for a loan in USDT (Tether's stablecoin).

    • As Bitcoin's price dropped, Celsius was required to provide more collateral to avoid liquidation but claimed it wasn’t allowed to do so.

    • The lawsuit alleges that Tether liquidated the BTC at a price that covered the debt, but Celsius argues it should have been allowed to prevent the selloff.


  2. Tether's Response:

    • Tether refutes Celsius' claims, calling the lawsuit baseless and a "shake down."

    • The company asserts that Celsius directed Tether to liquidate the BTC after opting not to provide additional collateral.

    • Tether reassures USDT holders, emphasizing its strong financial position and vowing to defend against the allegations vigorously.


  3. Discrepancies in the Claimed Amounts:

    • While Tether mentions Celsius is seeking $2.4 billion (reflecting the value of 39,542.42 BTC), the lawsuit also seeks to void two additional transfers of 15,658.21 BTC and 2,228.01 BTC.

    • The total amount Celsius is pursuing adds up to 57,428.64 BTC, worth approximately $3.48 billion as of August 10.

    • Additionally, Celsius is seeking at least $100 million in damages, with potential for more to be determined at trial, along with legal fees.


  4. Implications for the Crypto Community:

    • The lawsuit could set a significant precedent for how collateral is handled in the volatile cryptocurrency market.

    • If Celsius prevails, it could open the door for other similar lawsuits, potentially leading to changes in how collateral agreements are structured.

    • Tether's strong stance suggests that the company is prepared for a prolonged legal battle, with the outcome likely to influence future interactions between lenders and borrowers in the crypto space.



The Celsius vs. Tether lawsuit is more than just a legal dispute over Bitcoin collateral—it's a battle that could reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency lending and collateral management. As both sides prepare for what promises to be a contentious court case, the broader crypto community will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes drama unfolds. Whether Celsius can successfully reclaim the billions it seeks or whether Tether's defense will hold up in court remains to be seen, but the outcome is sure to have lasting repercussions.


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