SEC Demands Massive Fines from Terraform Labs, Do Kwon in Landmark Crypto Fraud Case

The SEC has filed a complaint against Terraform Labs and Do Kwon, seeking $4.7B in disgorgement and prejudgment interest, plus $520 million in civil penalties. The complaint alleges that Terraform misled investors about the stability of its TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin and Luna token. The SEC also seeks to bar Kwon from serving as an officer or director of any public company and impose a "conduct-based injunction" on Terraform to prevent future violations.

Terraform Labs and Do Kwon Face Steep Financial Penalties in SEC Lawsuit

In a significant legal development, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking substantial financial penalties from Terraform Labs and its co-founder, Do Kwon, following a recent civil case ruling that found the company liable for investment fraud.

According to a filing submitted on April 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the SEC is requesting disgorgement and prejudgment interest amounting to approximately $4.7 billion, along with civil penalties totaling $520 million.

The penalties stem from the SEC's allegations that Terraform Labs and Kwon misled investors regarding the offering and sale of TerraUSD (UST), Luna, and wrapped Luna (wLUNA). The SEC claims that the defendants made false and misleading statements about the stability and riskiness of these digital assets, which ultimately led to billions of dollars in losses for investors.

In response to the SEC's request, Terraform Labs and Kwon have expressed disagreement over the proposed penalties. Kwon has vehemently disputed the crypto firm's suggested maximum civil penalty of $3.5 million, advocating for a significantly lower amount of $800,000.

Beyond the financial penalties, the SEC has also proposed additional restrictions on Terraform Labs and Kwon. The regulatory agency seeks to prohibit Kwon from serving as a director or officer of a securities issuer and requires the company to disclose all assets and bank accounts.

Furthermore, the SEC is considering imposing a "conduct-based injunction" on Terraform Labs to prevent the company from engaging in similar misconduct in the future. According to the SEC's filing, the defendants have shown no remorse for their actions and may continue to commit similar offenses in the absence of appropriate remedial measures.

The SEC's request for penalties and restrictions remains subject to approval by the court. On April 5, a jury found Terraform Labs and Kwon liable for investment fraud, marking a significant victory for investors who had been harmed by the collapse of the Terra ecosystem.

In a statement released after the jury's verdict, a representative for Terraform Labs said that the company was "carefully weighing [its] options and next steps." The company has not yet publicly commented on the specific penalties and restrictions proposed by the SEC.

As the legal proceedings continue, investors and the wider cryptocurrency community await further developments in this high-profile case. The outcome of the lawsuit will have significant implications for the regulation of digital assets and the accountability of those who seek to profit from misleading investors.