Terraform Labs and its former CEO, Do Kwon, have been found guilty of breaching the Securities Act of 1933 by selling crypto assets without proper registration. The trial lasted nine days, and the verdict has sent shockwaves through the digital finance community, underscoring the challenges of regulatory compliance in the crypto world.
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Evaluating the Verdict
The Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gurbir S. Grewal, praised the jury’s decision as a significant win for investor protection. Terraform Labs and Kwon were accused of providing false assurances about the stability of Terra USD and its blockchain usage, resulting in substantial investor losses and a notable decline in market confidence.
Fines Imposed
The SEC has imposed penalties totaling $5.2 billion on Terraform Labs and its co-founder, Do Kwon. The penalties include a demand for $4.7 billion as repayment and interest and $520 million in fines. Terraform has been fined $420 million, while Kwon has been fined $100 million. The SEC has also demanded that Kwon cease being an officer or director of security companies and that Terraform follow the rules to avoid further challenges.
The SEC accused Terraform and Kwon of misleading investors about TerraUSD (UST), Luna, and wLUNA. Kwon also faces legal issues in Montenegro and may face charges in the U.S. and South Korea.
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Market Dynamics Under Focus
Founder Do Kwon is under house arrest and may be jailed after being convicted of fraud. Terra Luna Classic (LUNC) has emerged as a symbol of resilience, hinting at potential growth, despite the legal turmoil. Analysts have set a target price of $0.00058 for the upcoming bull run, undeterred by the tumultuous landscape. Terra’s current price is $1.049247 per LUNA/USD, with a market cap of $716.88 million. The 24-hour trading volume of $140.55 million signals optimism for a market on the mend, with bullish futures indicating a promising rebound.