Celsius to Distribute $127M to Creditors as Bankruptcy Plan Advances

Celsius Network, the embattled crypto lender, will distribute $127 million to creditors as part of its ongoing bankruptcy resolution. The funds will be allocated in Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), or US dollars (USD), based on eligibility criteria set out in the bankruptcy plan.

Key Details on Eligibility

Creditors seeking distributions in Bitcoin or Ethereum must have a verified Coinbase account linked to their Celsius records. If these requirements are unmet by November 9, 2024, payouts will be rerouted to USD via a designated distribution partner, as per the company’s recent announcement.

Legal Troubles for Alex Mashinsky

While the distribution progresses, Celsius’s former CEO, Alex Mashinsky, continues to face legal battles. A federal court recently denied his motion to dismiss fraud charges tied to the company’s collapse, including allegations of market manipulation involving the CEL token. Mashinsky faces up to 115 years in prison if convicted. His trial is set for January 2025.

What’s Next for Creditors

This latest payout represents a step forward for many affected by Celsius’s 2022 collapse during the crypto winter. While the resolution offers some relief, the broader implications of the bankruptcy and ongoing legal scrutiny serve as a reminder of the challenges within the crypto lending space.