Nexo AG and its subsidiaries have initiated legal action against the Republic of Bulgaria, filing an International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes arbitration claim exceeding $3 billion. The claim alleges damages and lost opportunities resulting from what Nexo describes as wrongful and politically motivated actions by Bulgarian authorities.

The Dismissal of Charges against Nexo's Leadership

Represented by the prestigious U.S. law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Nexo AG's claim centers on the aftermath of unjustified and oppressive criminal investigations. These investigations, initially launched by the Bulgarian Prosecutor General's Office in January 2023, were subsequently dismissed for lack of merit on December 21, 2023, clearing Nexo and its management, including Kosta Kantchev, Antoni Trenchev, Kalin Metodiev, and Trayan Nikolov.

“Despite the unjustified attacks by the Bulgarian authorities in January 2023 taking a significant toll on the entire Nexo group, we were able to continue business operations,” said Trenchev, the Co-Founder of Nexo. “However, our growth path has been slowed down and opportunities lost or significantly delayed. I personally promised 10 months ago that we would explore all legal means available to secure financial compensation for Nexo."

Deborah Ruff, Pillsbury’s Head of Arbitration, expressed confidence in representing Nexo in what she called a "battle for justice." Matthew Oresman, the Managing Partner of Pillsbury’s London Office, affirmed belief in the strength of Nexo's claim after a thorough examination of the case.

Crypto lender Nexo seeks $3 bln in damages from Bulgaria over aborted investigation https://t.co/epNhLsJwB2 pic.twitter.com/Y0OgGJGYfT

— Reuters (@Reuters) January 24, 2024

Reputational Damage and Financial Setbacks

According to the firm, the politically motivated attack in 2023 had severe repercussions on Nexo, damaging its brand and reputation. As a result, lucrative business opportunities were lost, and Nexo AG's investments in Bulgaria suffered setbacks.

Several planned business activities had to be abandoned, impacting the company's growth trajectory. Nexo's collaboration with three leading US investment banks on a funding round and an initial public offering, with an indicative valuation between $8 billion and $12 billion, was disrupted.

A strategic alliance with a major European football club, set to make Nexo the club's official digital wallet and main partner, was halted just days away from signing. This partnership involved plans for an innovative club-branded payment card, a potential game-changer for the blockchain industry. Nexo's reputation and brand were tarnished, resulting in missed opportunities, lost revenue, and a decline in company value.

Finance Magnates attempted to reach out to the Litigation Department within the International Arbitration and Procedures Division at the Ministry of Finance in Sofia, Bulgaria, as well as the Office of the Prosecutor General in Sofia, Bulgaria, but has not received a response yet.