Access to justice for crypto-related fraud victims

Asset Reality, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Outer Temple Chambers, Rahman Ravelli and Sandton Capital are collaborating to help victims of crypto-related fraud overcome access to justice hurdles.

While crypto-related fraud reached an all-time high in 2021, with illicit addresses receiving US$14bn over the course of the year, up 79% on the previous year, matters brought before courts remain comparatively low, in large part due to a lack of funding options for otherwise meritorious lower-value claims.

Under the new collaboration, Asset Reality, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Outer Temple Chambers, Rahman Ravelli have established a triage system for the initial assessment of claims, with investigatory and corporate intelligence expertise then deployed to contextualise claims for legal assessment. Meritorious claims will be assessed and financed on a portfolio basis by Sandton Capital which has dedicated £50m for crypto-related litigation; with portfolio facilities allowing for greater flexibility to finance multiple claims that otherwise would likely not have met funders’ investment thresholds had each claim been considered on a stand-alone basis.

Commenting on the collaboration, Justina Stewart, Barrister at Outer Temple Chambers, says:“This is a real opportunity to push the boundaries of the law by working symbiotically with true experts, for the benefit of those who have been defrauded by increasingly sophisticated crypto frauds. All too often, potentially meritorious crypto fraud claims don’t get off the ground because of lack of funding and joined-up thinking between real specialists. Having been involved for years in and being at the forefront of the fascinating world of crypto-related litigation, our Outer Temple counsel are thrilled to be involved in this collaboration.”

Matt Meehan, Head of Sandton UK & Europe, adds:“Crypto fraud investigation, tracing, litigation and recovery is an evolving area of contentious disputes and we will allocate an initial £50m to fund crypto fraud claims. In London, we have assembled world class panels of crypto-focused investigators, solicitors, barristers and asset tracing professionals to support claimants in all aspects. The team at Sandton hopes to alleviate concerns by offering bespoke and transparent funding solutions to support one-stop crypto fraud recovery.”

Carmel King, Director at Grant Thornton UK LLP, Insolvency and Asset Recovery, says:“Our team has used (and provided) litigation funding for years, and we know it can facilitate access to justice for impecunious estates and their creditors. I am delighted that this collaboration widens the range of options available to victims of fraud in the investigation, litigation and recovery of their cryptoassets.”