This Crypto Company is Now Under The SEC’s Criminal Investigation

The crypto industry is under increased scrutiny, and NovaTech is the latest to feel the regulatory heat from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

On February 13, 2024, the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted the SEC’s request to enforce subpoenas against Dapilinu Dunbar and Corrie Sampson, NovaTech’s leading promoters.

Why Is the SEC Investigating NovaTech?

NovaTech allegedly operates on a multilevel marketing strategy, drawing the SEC’s attention for possible violations of securities laws. Indeed, the focus is whether Dunbar, Sampson, and others have breached regulations through their promotional activities.

The court’s move to enforce the subpoenas came after Dunbar and Sampson repeatedly dodged compliance, also failing to provide vital documents and testimony. Now, Catherine Rowsey, Todd Baker, and Jamie Haussecker lead the SEC’s investigation into NovaTech.

“The SEC is continuing its fact-finding investigation and, to date, has not concluded that any individual or entity has violated the federal securities laws,” SEC wrote.

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The SEC’s enforcement is part of a wider clampdown on crypto entities that skirt US regulations.

For instance, Adam Colin Todd, CEO of Digitex Futures Exchange, faces charges for neglecting anti-money laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols per the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). Todd’s refusal to adopt KYC measures has led him to federal court, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance.

Read more: Crypto Regulation: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?

The SEC’s actions against NovaTech and Digitex Futures signal a broader trend of regulatory enforcement within the crypto market. Indeed, these cases illustrate the challenges of regulating the industry and the need for crypto companies to prioritize legal compliance.