A man in Australia has reportedly disappeared after OTCPro crypto exchange mistakenly sent his account more than $585,000.
According to a report from Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), cryptocurrency trading platform Rhino Trading Pty Ltd, which operates OTCPro, allegedly slipped up and added a zero to an account deposit made by 37-year-old Mildura man Kow Seng Chai.
The platform’s efforts to make contact with Chai to have the money returned were not successful and the company turned to the courts.
Court documents cited by ABC show that the crypto exchange successfully asked the Victorian Supreme Court to freeze Chai’s assets and prohibit his departure from Australia.
On January 25th, OTCPro received a $65,000 deposit from Chai through an account set up by his business Lotte Enterprise Pty Ltd, according to the report.
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However, when the trading platform credited this account, it added $650,000 and not $65,500, wrongly giving the customer about $585,000 USD.
The platform failed to notice the discrepancy until February 4th but by then, Chai is alleged to have used account funds to purchase USDT, the stablecoin issued by Tether, and also to have withdrawn the maximum daily allowable amount of money over multiple days.
Per the cited court documents, Chai’s account totaled $1.36 million AUD after the mistaken credit, and over the span of 10 days, he allegedly withdrew about $956,000 AUD.
Subsequently, the Victorian Supreme Court issued a freezing order on Chai’s account, compelling him to return the incorrect refund.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Shaanan Cohney, a Cyber Security Computing and Information Systems lecturer at Melbourne University provided insight into the situation, expressing skepticism regarding the possibility of recovering funds in similar circumstances.
However, he acknowledged that Chai’s proximity to the exchange in Australia could facilitate recovery. Cohney remarked,
“Normally, the person who sent the cryptocurrency funds disappears into the ether. And that’s the end of the story.”
The case involving Chai highlights the complexities and challenges associated with cryptocurrency transactions, particularly in cases of erroneous refunds.
The legal ramifications underscore the importance of robust risk management and oversight within the cryptocurrency industry.
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Navigating Legal Terrain In Cryptocurrency
As cryptocurrencies continue to gain traction in global markets, regulators and legal authorities face the daunting task of navigating uncharted legal terrain.
Instances of errors and disputes, such as the one involving Chai and OTCPro, underscore the need for clear guidelines and protocols to address such situations effectively.
The case of Kow Seng Chai serves as a cautionary tale for cryptocurrency traders and exchanges alike.
While significant profits may be enticing, adherence to regulatory compliance and ethical conduct remains paramount.
As cryptocurrency evolves, stakeholders must remain vigilant in mitigating risks and upholding the market’s integrity.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not trading advice. Bitcoinworld.co.in holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
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