Controversy Brews: Near Foundation and Aurora’s Dispute Over $11 Million USN Redemption

Estimated read time 3 min read

The cryptocurrency world is no stranger to drama, and the recent saga involving the Near Foundation and Aurora has all the ingredients for a nail-biting thriller. In a twist that could rival the latest blockbuster, a verbal spat over $11 million worth of USN stablecoins has unfolded, igniting passionate debates online and leaving crypto enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

What Happened?

According to Evgeny Gaevoy, the Wintermute founder, it all began with a promise. In a now-infamous social media post on November 7, Gaevoy claimed that the Near Foundation went back on its word regarding a deal to facilitate the sale of $11.2 million worth of the USN stablecoin, intended for the creditors of the FTX estate. Picture a high-stakes poker game where one player suddenly declares the pot belongs to them—seems a bit unfair, right?

The Breakdown of the Agreement

To break it down for the non-crypto initiated, Gaevoy alleged that Wintermute was simply playing its part in liquidating FTX’s assets, placing trust in the Near Foundation’s prior commitment to back the USN stablecoin. When Wintermute called in its chips, it seems the Near Foundation decided to change the rules at the last minute. Here’s a simple rundown:

  • August 2023: Aurora accepts Wintermute’s redemption request.
  • Subsequent Months: Near Foundation allegedly stalls, refusing to honor the commitment.
  • November 7: Wintermute publicly seeks to resolve the issue but threatens legal action instead.

Aurora’s Response

In a notable development, Aurora didn’t sit idly by. They described Wintermute’s claims as “unfounded” and accused Gaevoy of trying to exploit a fund meant for the stabilization of USN. In essence, they implied that Wintermute was attempting to pull a fast one and misinterpret the purpose of the USN Protection Programme (USNPP) created to support its conversion into USDT. They argued that the fund’s integrity was at stake and Wintermute’s motivations were questionable.

The Controversial USN Protection Programme

The USNPP was introduced after USN faltered in its collateralization attempts, designed to maintain confidence in the stablecoin following earlier woes. One could compare it to a safety net that’s meant to catch acrobats but instead finds itself tangled in the very act it was meant to support. Aurora stated, “WM tried to exploit the programme to profit from the purchase of distressed assets,” and thus rejected the claim outright.

The Road Ahead: Legal Exploits or Resolution?

The angry exchange has escalated to the point where Gaevoy noted, in his public address, that if the Near Foundation remains stubborn, Wintermute is prepared to go into “full-time adversarial mode.” A future drenched in litigation seems inevitable unless a calm agreement can be orchestrated amidst the chaos. Will they reconcile, or will this saga lead to a courtroom drama that crypto aficionados will recount at digital gatherings for years to come?

Conclusion

This crypto conundrum serves as a reminder that even in the decentralized world of blockchain, commitments and trust are paramount. Whether this situation results in a resolution or further legal entanglement remains to be seen, but for now, grab your popcorn; this show is just getting started!

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