Alameda Research sues Waves founder Aleksandr Ivanov, seeking $90 million in a bid to recover assets lost

Alameda Research, a trading firm linked to the now-defunct FTX cryptocurrency exchange, has initiated legal action against Aleksandr Ivanov, the founder of the Waves blockchain platform, in a bid to recover around $90 million. This lawsuit is part of Alameda's larger effort to reclaim assets and repay creditors affected by FTX's downfall in 2022.

The complaint, filed recently, accuses Ivanov and his companies, Numeris Ltd. and DLTech Ltd., of fraudulent activities that allegedly led to substantial financial losses for Alameda.

The firm claims it deposited about $80 million in stablecoins into Vires.Finance, a liquidity platform within the Waves ecosystem, but now finds those funds inaccessible due to what it describes as Ivanov's mismanagement.

Alameda alleges that Ivanov engaged in transactions designed to artificially inflate the value of the WAVES token, which is linked to the Waves platform. During this period, he reportedly diverted funds from Vires, resulting in a significant drop in the token's value—over 95%—and contributing to a $530 million loss for users of Vires.

The lawsuit suggests that Ivanov's actions were part of a strategy to temporarily boost the WAVES token's value, ultimately leaving investors to deal with the fallout when the price plummeted.

Additionally, Alameda claims that Ivanov attempted to shift blame for the instability of the Waves ecosystem onto them while privately trying to extort funds. He allegedly threatened to block Alameda's access to their funds unless they provided financial support to stabilize the platforms. When Alameda declined, Ivanov reportedly used his influence within the Vires decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to restrict their access to the deposited assets.

In November 2022, Ivanov acknowledged that Alameda had collateralized approximately $90 million in stablecoins but took steps to freeze these funds, claiming it was to ensure repayment to FTX users. Since then, Alameda asserts that Ivanov has ignored their attempts to negotiate a resolution, leaving their funds stuck.

The lawsuit not only seeks the return of the frozen assets but also demands compensation for damages related to alleged violations of the Bankruptcy Code, including fraud.

Alameda is determined to explore all avenues to recover any additional assets that Ivanov or his companies may have acquired through these actions. They also express concern that Ivanov's moves to dissolve the legal entities overseeing Waves and Vires complicate their recovery efforts.

This case is part of Alameda's broader initiative to recover assets for creditors affected by FTX's collapse. The firm is prepared to adapt its legal strategy as new information arises, indicating a willingness to expand its claims if necessary. Alameda's legal team is committed to pursuing all possible steps to secure compensation for its creditors.

As the lawsuit progresses, Ivanov has not publicly responded to the allegations. This case highlights the challenges of asset recovery in the cryptocurrency sector, particularly within decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms.

The outcome could set a precedent for accountability in the industry, encouraging greater scrutiny of blockchain operations and emphasizing the need for transparency in managing digital assets.

Ultimately, Alameda's legal battle may inspire other companies in the crypto space to pursue similar claims if they believe they have been victims of fraud or mismanagement, potentially shaping future litigation in the industry.