Luisa Crawford Sep 11, 2024 15:05
Atomic Wallet has won a dismissal in a $100 million class-action lawsuit related to a hack, citing lack of jurisdiction over the Estonia-based company.
In a significant legal victory for Atomic Wallet, a U.S. federal judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit against the Estonia-based crypto wallet provider, stemming from a $100 million hack that occurred in June 2023. The ruling, made by Judge Philip Brimmer of the Colorado district court on September 10, 2024, cited a lack of jurisdiction over the company, which has no substantial ties to the United States.
Background of the Lawsuit
The class-action suit was initiated by a group of 21 plaintiffs following the high-profile breach that resulted in the theft of significant funds from Atomic Wallet’s platform. The plaintiffs argued that the company, including its CEO Konstantin Gladyshev and shareholder Pavel Sokolov, failed to adequately protect user assets, thereby making them liable for the losses incurred during the hack.
The plaintiffs’ claims were primarily based on the assertion that Atomic Wallet’s advertisements were visible in Colorado, and that one of the plaintiffs, Graham Dickinson, had interacted with the company’s customer support. However, the defense maintained that the company had “no U.S. ties,” a position that ultimately resonated with the court.
Court’s Findings
Judge Brimmer noted that while the plaintiffs presented some evidence of interaction with the company, the connection was insufficient to establish jurisdiction. He emphasized that Atomic Wallet operates as a software-based service, which complicates the determination of user locations and responsibilities.
Despite dismissing the majority of the claims, Judge Brimmer allowed for a potential continuation of the lawsuit against Ilia Brusov, a co-founder of Evercode Infinite—the firm behind Atomic Wallet’s software. The judge gave plaintiffs 21 days to argue why Brusov should remain in the case, acknowledging his 12.8% ownership in Atomic Wallet alongside Sokolov, who holds a similar stake.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
This ruling underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding jurisdiction in the digital currency space. As more companies operate across borders, legal frameworks often struggle to keep pace with technological advancements. The dismissal also raises important questions about the accountability of crypto wallet providers in safeguarding user assets, particularly in light of rising cyberattacks targeting the industry.
The outcome may influence how other crypto firms approach their legal strategies and user interactions, especially in jurisdictions where they have minimal physical presence. As the crypto market continues to grow, the need for clear regulations and standards for security will become increasingly critical.
Conclusion
Atomic Wallet’s successful dismissal of the lawsuit marks a notable moment in the ongoing discourse around cybersecurity and legal accountability in the cryptocurrency sector. As the crypto landscape evolves, both users and providers must remain vigilant in addressing security concerns and navigating the complexities of international law.
The case’s outcome could set a precedent for similar legal actions in the future, highlighting the importance of jurisdictional considerations in the rapidly changing world of digital finance.
Image source: Shutterstock
