An Argentine lawyer is formally requesting Interpol’s assistance in the apprehension of Hayden Davis, the U.S.-based creator of the now-defunct LIBRA cryptocurrency, marking a significant escalation in the legal fallout from the token’s dramatic collapse.
Gregorio Dalbon, a prominent attorney known for representing former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, filed the petition to prosecutor Eduardo Taiano, who delegated the investigation to Judge María Servini. The request centers on securing a Red Notice from Interpol, a mechanism used to alert law enforcement agencies worldwide about internationally wanted individuals.
The LIBRA cryptocurrency, once publicly endorsed by Argentine President Javier Milei, suffered a catastrophic price collapse, leaving investors with substantial losses and over $100 million in assets reportedly frozen. Dalbon’s petition argues that Davis represents a substantial flight risk, citing his financial resources and residence outside Argentina.
Because of this, the lawyer requested that “the international arrest of Hayden Mark Davis be ordered and that the Interpol red notice be issued in order to locate and arrest him, with a view to his extradition.”
The Allegations Against Creator of LIBRA
The legal pursuit of Davis stems from allegations that he played a central role in the creation and promotion of LIBRA, and that his actions (or inactions) directly contributed to the financial losses suffered by investors. Dalbon’s petition, as reported by Argentine media outlets Página12 and Perfil, emphasizes the “scale of the scandal” and the need to ensure Davis faces justice.
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The specific charges against Davis have not been fully detailed in publicly available documents, but the core accusation revolves around potential fraud and financial mismanagement.
Interpol’s Red Notice: Process and Implications
It’s crucial to understand that an Interpol Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant. It’s a request to law enforcement agencies in Interpol’s 195 member countries to locate and provisionally arrest an individual, pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. Each member country retains the authority to decide whether to act on the Red Notice, based on its own laws and international obligations.
The issuance of a Red Notice, therefore, does not guarantee Davis’s immediate arrest or extradition to Argentina. It does, however, significantly increase the likelihood of his apprehension if he travels internationally.
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Hayden Davis and the LIBRA Defense
While the legal case against Davis builds, the specifics of his defense remain largely unclear. Davis has denied any intentional wrongdoing, maintaining that the LIBRA project’s failure was not the result of a deliberate “rug pull” or other fraudulent scheme.
However, detailed responses to the specific allegations and any counter-arguments from Davis’s legal team, have not yet been made public. Attempts by several news organizations to obtain comments from Davis’ lawyer have reportedly been unsuccessful.
