A federal judge in Brooklyn has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against cryptocurrency entrepreneur Richard Heart, citing insufficient ties between his alleged conduct and the United States. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Carol Bagley Amon, effectively nullifies the SEC’s claims that Heart raised over $1 billion through unregistered cryptocurrency offerings and misappropriated investor funds.
The SEC says Richard Heart raised over $1 billion by selling cryptocurrencies like HEX, PulseChain, and PulseX without approval. They claim he tricked investors by promising 38% yearly returns and ignoring rules. Heart also called HEX a "blockchain certificate of deposit," making people think it was a safe investment.
The SEC also says Heart spent at least $12 million of investor money on luxury items like sports cars, designer watches, and a rare black diamond called "The Enigma." They believe this money came from misleading investment deals.
Taking legal action is hard because Heart lives in Finland, making it difficult for U.S. officials to reach him. The case could affect future crypto rules, especially for companies working in many countries.
Following the court’s decision to dismiss the SEC’s lawsuit against Richard Heart, HEX and PulseChain have seen a sharp increase in price and trading activity. HEX is now trading at $0.01522, marking an impressive 60.21% surge following the news. Supporters believe this could mark a turning point for HEX, potentially reviving interest and attracting new buyers despite its previous price decline.
With the SEC facing challenges in enforcing regulations on global crypto projects, many investors see the ruling as a positive sign for decentralized assets. Trading volumes for HEX and PulseChain have surged as speculators anticipate further growth.
If the SEC has trouble enforcing its rules on international projects like HEX, other crypto companies might face fewer legal challenges in the future. The recent formation of US SEC’s CETU (Crypto Enforcement and Transparency Unit) suggests that regulators may take a more structured approach to monitoring global crypto activities while balancing enforcement with industry growth.
The court’s decision questions the SEC’s power to control global crypto businesses, especially those with little connection to the U.S. With the agency now dropping cases against major platforms like Uniswap case and Coinbase, it seems to be adjusting its approach to crypto regulation. This ruling may push the SEC to rethink how it enforces rules, particularly for decentralized and international projects. As the crypto industry grows, this case could set an important example for how regulators handle digital assets worldwide.
Also read: Ukraine’s Crypto Law: 5-10% Tax or a Move to Tighten Control?Mohit Raghuwanshi is an Indian journalist working at Coin Gabbar’s news desk, passionately following the ever-evolving crypto market. With a keen interest in blockchain technology and digital assets, he delivers in-depth reports on industry trends, regulations, and market movements. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and previously worked as a content writer at a PR agency, honing his skills in crafting compelling narratives and analyzing financial markets.