SEC Sues BitClout Founder Over Unregistered BTCLT Sales and Misuse of Funds

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated legal action against Nader Al-Naji, the founder of BitClout, now recognized as Decentralized Social (DeSo).
Reports indicate that Al-Naji allegedly accumulated over $257 million through unregistered offerings and sales of BTCLT tokens starting from November 2020.
The SEC’s accusations include misuse of investor funds and deceptive practices by Al-Naji, who reportedly spent significant amounts on personal luxuries.

Learn about the SEC’s lawsuit against Decentralized Social’s founder, Nader Al-Naji, and the allegations of unregistered token sales and fund misuse.

SEC Files Lawsuit Against Decentralized Social Founder

The SEC has officially filed a lawsuit against Nader Al-Naji, the brains behind the social media endeavor BitClout, now known as Decentralized Social (DeSo). The complaint highlights that since November 2020, Al-Naji has been involved in raising over $257 million through unregistered token sales. The legal implications of this move point to significant violations under federal securities laws.

Allegations of Misuse of Investor Funds

One of the critical allegations put forth by the SEC is the misuse of a substantial portion of the raised funds. Contrary to promises made to investors that their money would not be used for personal gains, Al-Naji allegedly diverted over $7 million for personal use. This spending spree reportedly included luxurious rentals in Beverly Hills and extravagant cash gifts, raising serious concerns over the integrity of the fund management.

Deceptive Operational Practices Under Scrutiny

Further complicating Al-Naji’s legal troubles is the accusation of deceptive operational practices. The SEC claims that Al-Naji operated under the pseudonym “Diamondhands” to present an illusion of a decentralized and autonomous project. This alleged deception was intended to mislead investors about the true nature of BitClout and its governance model.

Legal Opinions Based on Misrepresentations

Adding to the list of regulatory breaches, the SEC also accuses Al-Naji of securing a legal opinion based on false representations. He purportedly convinced a renowned law firm to opine that BTCLT tokens would not fall under federal securities, which was founded on misunderstood or misreported facts about his project. This misguidance potentially led investors to believe in the legitimacy and regulatory compliance of the token sales.

Impact on DESO Token and Investor Sentiment

The unraveling of these allegations has had a tangible impact on the DESO token, which is presently trading at a significant drop of 23.87% in the past 24 hours, stabilizing at around $8.00. The market response reflects growing uncertainty and apprehension among the token’s investor base, emphasizing the broader implications of regulatory actions on cryptocurrency ventures.

Conclusion

This unfolding saga serves as a crucial reminder for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors to exercise due diligence when engaging in token sales and new digital assets. The SEC’s actions underscore the importance of transparency, regulatory compliance, and the ethical management of investor funds. As this case develops, it may set critical precedents for future governance and oversight within the cryptocurrency sector.

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