US authorities have filed charges against the Canadian founder of a phoney investment fund that lured $42 million from investors.The fund, called Gray Digital, US authorities have filed charges against the Canadian founder of a phoney investment fund that lured $42 million from investors.The fund, called Gray Digital,

DoJ charges Canadian crypto fund manager who ran $42m fraudulent ‘house of cards’

2025/12/12 01:24

US authorities have filed charges against the Canadian founder of a phoney investment fund that lured $42 million from investors.

The fund, called Gray Digital, was run by 26-year-old Nathan Gauvin. It dazzled investors with records of almost 200% yearly returns, allegedly made by investing customers’ funds across stocks, derivatives, debt, and crypto.

Gauvin faces a 21-count indictment in Brooklyn federal court, including conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.

“The defendant’s investment company was a house of cards constructed with investor funds and held together with lies,” said Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, in a Wednesday statement.

“When his house of cards collapsed, Gauvin doubled down by obstructing the regulator’s investigation and trying to defraud a lender. Gauvin’s run of lies ends today.”

Gauvin was arrested in England yesterday on a US warrant and is awaiting extradition.

House of cards

Gauvin’s alleged schemes occurred between approximately May 2022 and October 2024 and netted Gray Digital and its flagship fund over $42 million from hundreds of investors.

The fund purported to generate outsized returns through an investment strategy that blended traditional financial assets and strategies, and DeFi, per the DoJ’s statement.

As CEO, Gauvin allegedly lied to investors about his background and experience, as well as Gray Digital’s assets and returns. He allegedly provided fraudulent documents intended to verify Gray Digital’s assets under management and performance.

If found guilty, Gauvin could face up to 30 years in prison for the most serious charges.

SEC probe aftermath

In November 2024, DL News learned that Gray Digital was facing a probe from the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

At the time, half a dozen Gray Digital customers said that they couldn’t withdraw their funds.

One investor who deposited $300,000 said Gauvin’s “polished approach and emphasis on trust” lowered his guard.

When customers asked for their funds back, Gauvin blamed the lack of withdrawals on bad actors.

He said these mysterious figures coordinated mass withdrawals, spread “conspiracy theories,” and contacted his own bank, leading to his account being frozen.

In reality, Gauvin used deposits to pay investor withdrawals and misappropriated millions of dollars in investor funds, which he spent on luxury goods, jewellery and his personal credit card bills, the DoJ alleges.

Gauvin estimated losses from the Gray Digital fraud to be approximately $20 million.

The indictment also alleges that Gauvin undertook yet another fraudulent scheme between approximately May 2025 and June 2025, where he and others provided fraudulent bank statements and other false information to a New York-based firm to obtain approximately $800,000 in credit from two FDIC-insured banks.

Gauvin then used those proceeds to pay personal expenses, including to a private members-only social club in London.

Tim Craig is DL News’ Edinburgh-based DeFi Correspondent. Reach out with tips at [email protected].

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact [email protected] for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

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BitcoinWorld Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% The financial world is buzzing with a significant development: the probability of a Fed rate cut in October has just seen a dramatic increase. This isn’t just a minor shift; it’s a monumental change that could ripple through global markets, including the dynamic cryptocurrency space. For anyone tracking economic indicators and their impact on investments, this update from the U.S. interest rate futures market is absolutely crucial. What Just Happened? Unpacking the FOMC Statement’s Impact Following the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement, market sentiment has decisively shifted. Before the announcement, the U.S. interest rate futures market had priced in a 71.6% chance of an October rate cut. However, after the statement, this figure surged to an astounding 94%. This jump indicates that traders and analysts are now overwhelmingly confident that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates next month. Such a high probability suggests a strong consensus emerging from the Fed’s latest communications and economic outlook. A Fed rate cut typically means cheaper borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, which can stimulate economic activity. But what does this really signify for investors, especially those in the digital asset realm? Why is a Fed Rate Cut So Significant for Markets? When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it sends powerful signals across the entire financial ecosystem. A rate cut generally implies a more accommodative monetary policy, often enacted to boost economic growth or combat deflationary pressures. Impact on Traditional Markets: Stocks: Lower interest rates can make borrowing cheaper for companies, potentially boosting earnings and making stocks more attractive compared to bonds. Bonds: Existing bonds with higher yields might become more valuable, but new bonds will likely offer lower returns. Dollar Strength: A rate cut can weaken the U.S. dollar, making exports cheaper and potentially benefiting multinational corporations. Potential for Cryptocurrency Markets: The cryptocurrency market, while often seen as uncorrelated, can still react significantly to macro-economic shifts. A Fed rate cut could be interpreted as: Increased Risk Appetite: With traditional investments offering lower returns, investors might seek higher-yielding or more volatile assets like cryptocurrencies. Inflation Hedge Narrative: If rate cuts are perceived as a precursor to inflation, assets like Bitcoin, often dubbed “digital gold,” could gain traction as an inflation hedge. Liquidity Influx: A more accommodative monetary environment generally means more liquidity in the financial system, some of which could flow into digital assets. Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean for Your Portfolio? While the 94% probability for a Fed rate cut in October is compelling, it’s essential to consider the nuances. Market probabilities can shift, and the Fed’s ultimate decision will depend on incoming economic data. Actionable Insights: Stay Informed: Continue to monitor economic reports, inflation data, and future Fed statements. Diversify: A diversified portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with sudden market shifts. Assess Risk Tolerance: Understand how a potential rate cut might affect your specific investments and adjust your strategy accordingly. This increased likelihood of a Fed rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. It underscores the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the emerging digital asset space. Investors should remain vigilant and prepared for potential volatility. The financial landscape is always evolving, and the significant surge in the probability of an October Fed rate cut is a clear signal of impending change. From stimulating economic growth to potentially fueling interest in digital assets, the implications are vast. Staying informed and strategically positioned will be key as we approach this crucial decision point. The market is now almost certain of a rate cut, and understanding its potential ripple effects is paramount for every investor. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policymaking body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate, which influences other interest rates and economic conditions. Q2: How does a Fed rate cut impact the U.S. dollar? A2: A rate cut typically makes the U.S. dollar less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher returns, potentially leading to a weakening of the dollar against other currencies. Q3: Why might a Fed rate cut be good for cryptocurrency? A3: Lower interest rates can reduce the appeal of traditional investments, encouraging investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. It can also be seen as a sign of increased liquidity or potential inflation, benefiting assets like Bitcoin. Q4: Is a 94% probability a guarantee of a rate cut? A4: While a 94% probability is very high, it is not a guarantee. Market probabilities reflect current sentiment and data, but the Federal Reserve’s final decision will depend on all available economic information leading up to their meeting. Q5: What should investors do in response to this news? A5: Investors should stay informed about economic developments, review their portfolio diversification, and assess their risk tolerance. Consider how potential changes in interest rates might affect different asset classes and adjust strategies as needed. Did you find this analysis helpful? Share this article with your network to keep others informed about the potential impact of the upcoming Fed rate cut and its implications for the financial markets! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Crucial Fed Rate Cut: October Probability Surges to 94% first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
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