Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has frozen accounts connected to “FTX Group, Alameda Research, and their executives” on its platform in the wake of the FTX saga.
On November 13, Kraken wrote on Twitter that the accounts were frozen “to protect their creditors” that it “maintains full reserves” and that other users’ funds are unaffected. Kraken was probably attempting to help alleviate user concerns that the exchange might experience liquidity problems due to the fund freeze.
Kraken has spoken with law authorities regarding a few accounts held by the insolvent FTX Group, Alameda Research, and their executives. To safeguard their creditors, those accounts have been frozen.
No other Kraken customers are impacted. Kraken keeps its reserves stocked.
The statement continued, “We will handle each account on a case-by-case basis and may seek advice from the Bankruptcy Court or trustee as necessary.”
Kraken’s account suspension follows the cryptocurrency exchange FTX’s Nov. 11 announcement that the FTX Group, which consists of about 130 businesses including its sister trading company Alameda Research, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States and that Bankman-Fried has resigned as CEO.
It is also related to a rumored hack on FTX that allegedly involved a Kraken account. On November 12, Kraken’s chief security officer Nick Percoco stated that they are aware of the identity of the account owner and later updated that FTX would issue a statement regarding the situation “and them utilizing funds from their verified [Kraken] account to complete this transaction.”
Bahamas securities regulator freezes FTX’s assets
In light of the recent unrest, regulators seem to be cracking down hard on FTX and its management.
The Bahamas securities regulator on November 10 seized the assets of FTX Digital Markets, the exchanges’ Bahamian affiliate, and its “associated parties.” FTX is headquartered in The Bahamas.
After the exchange claimed on Nov. 11 that it had been told by the nation’s regulators to facilitate Bahamian withdrawals, the Bahamian securities authority on Nov. 12 denied giving FTX instructions to give Bahamas-based users’ withdrawals priority.
While FTX is currently being looked at by the Royal Bahamas Police Force for potential criminal activity, per a story from November 13.
