According to ShibDaily, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated legal action against Touzi Capital, LLC and its managing member, Eng Taing. The SEC accuses the investment firm of misleading over 1,200 investors by falsely claiming that their funds would be used for cryptocurrency mining operations. The lawsuit alleges that between 2021 and 2023, Touzi Capital conducted unregistered securities offerings, raising nearly $95 million from investors nationwide. Additionally, the SEC claims that the firm misused investor funds for Taing’s personal expenses.
The complaint further states that Touzi Capital raised approximately $23 million for its debt rehabilitation business but improperly mixed these funds with those of its crypto asset mining and other unrelated ventures. The SEC also accuses the firm of misrepresenting the stability of the investments, falsely comparing them to high-yield money market accounts, while they were actually high-risk and illiquid. Despite the declining performance of these investments, Touzi Capital allegedly continued to solicit new investors. Taing and Touzi Capital face charges of violating the registration and antifraud provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, civil penalties, and an officer and director ban against Taing.
The SEC has faced criticism for its regulatory approach to the cryptocurrency industry, with critics arguing that the agency has focused more on enforcement actions rather than establishing clear rules. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known as “Crypto Mom,” has expressed concerns about the Commission’s “regulation-by-enforcement” strategy, suggesting it creates uncertainty and stifles innovation. However, there are indications that the SEC might be moving towards a more crypto-friendly regulatory stance following the resignation of its former chair, Gary Gensler. Reports suggest that Paul Atkins, a former SEC commissioner known for his pro-innovation views, is being considered as a potential successor. Atkins, referred to as “Crypto Dad,” is recognized for his understanding of the cryptocurrency sector and advocacy for supportive policies. Additionally, with President-elect Donald Trump’s recent pro-crypto position, there is speculation that regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies could shift from the SEC to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).