Javier Milei’s Phone Records Subpoenaed in Crypto Probe; $110M in Libra Frozen
Buenos Aires – The investigation into potential cryptocurrency fraud linked to Libra crypto is intensifying, with Argentine President Javier Milei now under increased scrutiny.A federal prosecutor has requested access to Milei’s phone records, along with those of key associates, as part of an ongoing probe.
Adding to the complexity, a New York court has ordered the freezing of $110 million in Libra crypto, further expanding the legal and financial ramifications of the case.
Key Developments in the Libra Crypto Investigation
The legal developments unfold on two fronts: Argentina,where the alleged scam originated,and the United States,where significant assets related to Libra are now under legal constraint.
- Argentina: Prosecutor Eduardo Taiano has subpoenaed telephone companies for records pertaining to President Javier Milei and other individuals implicated in the Libra investigation since January 2024.
- United States: A New York court has frozen $110 million in Libra crypto, reportedly controlled by Hayden Davis, including $57 million previously frozen in USDC.
Argentina: Milei’s Phone Records Under Scrutiny
Prosecutor Eduardo Taiano is seeking detailed phone records from major mobile carriers in Argentina. This request aims to investigate possible connections related to the launch and promotion of Libra.
Specifically, the request targets the phone lines registered to President milei, his sister Karina Milei, and other defendants including Mauricio Novelli, Manuel Terrones Godoy, and Sergio Morales, covering the period from January 2024 to the present.
This action follows a request from one of the alleged victims, Martín Romeo, seeking to cross-reference communications tied to the Libra project.
Did You Know? Forensic accounting, pivotal in tracing crypto-related funds, is projected to grow into a $2.5 billion market by 2027, according to a recent report by Global Market Insights.
Hayden Davis’s Involvement
The phone lines of Hayden Davis, identified as a key figure behind Libra, are also part of the investigation. Davis met with President Milei on January 30 at Casa Rosada, Argentina’s presidential office, and had reportedly visited Argentina three times prior to the publicized meeting.
U.S. Court Freezes $110 Million in Libra Crypto
A New York court has taken decisive action by freezing $110 million in Libra crypto. The order was revealed in documents shared by the US legal firm Burwick Law, confirming the Southern District of New York’s involvement.
This financial constraint includes $57 million already frozen in USDC, amplifying the legal pressure on the cryptocurrency and its alleged controllers.
Victims Gain Legal Ground
The Federal Casación Chamber has affirmed the rights of the victims to act as complainants in the “Libra Gate” case.This decision denies an appeal from defendants Novelli and Terrones Godoy, solidifying the victims’ legal standing in the ongoing proceedings.
Judges Alejandro Slokar and Guillermo Yacobucci signed the ruling, rejecting the defendants’ attempt to challenge the victims’ participation in the case.
Pro Tip: Victims of crypto scams should document everything, including transaction details, communications, and any related information. This detailed record-keeping is crucial for legal proceedings and potential recovery efforts.
Libra Crypto Case: Key Players and Allegations
The Libra case involves several key individuals and complex allegations. To help clarify, here’s a summary:
| Player | Role | Allegations |
|---|---|---|
| Javier Milei | Argentine President | Subject of phone record subpoena in connection to Libra’s launch. |
| Hayden Davis | Alleged Controller | Reportedly controls the frozen $110 million in Libra crypto. |
| Eduardo Taiano | Federal Prosecutor | Leading the investigation, requesting phone records and asset freezes. |
| Martín Romeo | Victim | Requested the phone record investigation to uncover Libra connections. |
What are the possible long-term implications of this case on cryptocurrency regulations in Argentina and beyond?
How might this investigation affect public trust in cryptocurrency investments?
Understanding Cryptocurrency Regulations (Updated 2024)
Cryptocurrency regulations vary significantly by country. As of 2024, the United states, European Union, and United Kingdom are actively developing complete frameworks to address digital assets.
In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) are vying for regulatory oversight. The EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is set to standardize rules across member states,expected to take full effect by 2025. The UK is also advancing legislation to regulate crypto assets as part of its broader financial services strategy.
These regulatory efforts aim to provide clarity, protect investors, and combat illicit activities associated with cryptocurrencies. However, the evolving nature of digital assets poses ongoing challenges for policymakers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Libra Crypto Investigation
- Why are Javier Milei’s phone records being requested?
- The phone records of President Javier Milei and others are being requested as part of an investigation into an alleged scam involving the Libra crypto.
- What is the significance of the $110 million libra crypto freeze?
- The $110 million freeze in libra crypto, ordered by a New york court, highlights the international scope and financial magnitude of the Libra investigation.
- Who is Hayden Davis and what is his connection to the Libra case?
- Hayden Davis is reportedly in control of the frozen $110 million in Libra crypto and met with Javier Milei.
- What companies are involved in providing phone records for the investigation?
- Mobile Telephone Services Companies AMX Argentina SA,Telecom Personal SA,and Telefónica Móviles de Argentina SA have been asked to provide phone records.
- What is the current status of the victims in the Libra Gate case?
- The Federal Casación Chamber confirmed that victims can be complainants in the “libra Gate” case, strengthening their legal standing.
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