Reginald Fowler May Reopen Plea Talks in Crypto Capital Case

The "shadow banker" previously balked at prosecutors' $371 million forfeiture demand.

AccessTimeIconOct 16, 2020 at 3:50 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 14, 2021 at 10:10 a.m. UTC

Alleged "shadow banker" Reginald Fowler may be headed back to the plea bargain table in a second attempt to resolve criminal finance charges stemming from Bitfinex-linked firm Crypto Capital.

  • The ex-National Football League investor had balked at prosecutors' February demand for $371 million in forfeiture, blowing up early talks to settle unlicensed money transmission charges.
  • But Law360 reported Thursday that Fowler's counsel is "open to again exploring" a plea deal over the original charge and a new one: wire fraud.
  • Prosecutors allege Fowler ran illegal banking services through Crypto Capital. The payments processor once serviced crypto exchanges Bitfinex, QuadrigaCX and CEX.io. 

DISCLOSURE

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

The leader in news and information on cryptocurrency, digital assets and the future of money, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which invests in cryptocurrencies and blockchain startups. As part of their compensation, certain CoinDesk employees, including editorial employees, may receive exposure to DCG equity in the form of stock appreciation rights, which vest over a multi-year period. CoinDesk journalists are not allowed to purchase stock outright in DCG.


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.