In an updated lawsuit, the SEC charges Justin Sun of selling unregistered securities via Tron and BitTorrent tokens. Sun’s extensive U.S. travel generates jurisdictional claims.
Recent amendments were made to the litigation filed by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Justin Sun, the renowned developer of Tron.
According to the SEC, Sun allegedly participated in the transfer of unregistered securities via Tron (TRX) and BitTorrent (BTT) tokens.
However, Sun is subject to the regulatory body’s jurisdiction because of his substantial presence in the United States from 2017 to 2019, during which he spent more than 380 days.
Among the destinations visited were San Francisco, New York City, and Boston.
Moreover, the lawsuit has incorporated Sun’s affiliated organizations, including the Tron Foundation and the BitTorrent Foundation, into the SEC’s contention that they operated under his authority.
SEC Charges Justin Sun with Money Laundering Manipulation
The SEC’s revised complaint reiterates its accusations against Justin Sun, particularly emphasizing the purported engagement in manipulative wash trading and selling unregistered securities.
In contrast to Sun’s assertions regarding international transactions, the SEC defends the active promotion and sale of Tron (TRX) and BitTorrent (BTT) tokens to American investors.
As evidence against Sun, the SEC cites explicitly alleged wash trading activities on the Seattle-based crypto exchange Bittrex.
The allegations presented constitute a substantial component of the SEC’s case against the founder of Tron and his affiliated companies.
Justin Sun Denies Allegations, Challenges SEC Jurisdiction
Following the SEC’s assertion of jurisdiction, Justin Sun has categorically rejected the accusations.
Sun posits that the token sales were exclusively executed beyond the borders of the United States and were not for the American market.
According to him, the SEC does not have the authority to assert jurisdiction over him or the Singapore-based Tron Foundation.
He emphasizes that the alleged violations of securities laws took place outside the borders of the United States.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Sun’s legal department still needs to issue an official statement in response to inquiries for comment.
This disagreement underscores the intricate legal complexities regarding jurisdiction and allegations in the cryptocurrency sector.