Bitfinex Denies Money Laundering Claims After 'Internal Investigation'

Bitfinex is pushing back against reports that Polish authorities froze $400 million of its funds.

AccessTimeIconApr 10, 2018 at 9:30 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 7:48 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Bitfinex is pushing back against allegations it is involved in a money laundering case in Poland.

The cryptocurrency exchange told CoinDesk on Tuesday that it conducted an "internal investigation of its international organization," and found no connection between its operations and the two shell companies accused of defrauding the Belgian government and laundering funds in Colombia.

The exchange wrote that "based on all available evidence and information, [it] has concluded that these allegations are untrue and unfounded."

The statement added:

"Among the claims under dispute, Bitfinex has not been party to any official investigation launched in any jurisdiction globally on the basis of the allegations reported in the Polish media. This signals that the relevant authorities have found no reason to act upon the claims made against the Bitfinex platform."

Similarly, the platform reported that no users have had issues accessing their accounts or funds due to any potential law enforcement actions.

These rumors first arose earlier this week, when media outlets reported that police officers in the European nation had seized the assets from two shell corporations, according to reports.

The companies are accused of defrauding the government of Belgium and working with "a large online exchange of cryptocurrencies." However, authorities did not name any specific exchanges.

Local and international media connected Bitfinex to the two shell companies.

Exchange image via Shutterstock

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.