BitMEX executive surrenders in New York, pleads not guilty

Ben Delo, one of the founders and co-owners of embattled crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX, has surrendered to United States authorities in New York.

According to Bloomberg, Delo was arraigned remotely before U.S Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave during a proceeding on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on a bail bond of $20 million.

The bail terms stipulate that he is permitted to return home to the United Kingdom and await trial.

Delo’s surrender was part of an agreement negotiated with U.S authorities in February. The terms were coordinated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Border Patrol to permit Delo entry into the United States despite being subject to a travel ban from U.K. authorities. Rachel Miller, a spokesperson for Delo, stated:

“The charges against Ben are unfounded and represent unwarranted overreach by the U.S. authorities. Ben intends to defend himself against the charges and clear his name in court.”

Delo and fellow BitMEX executives Arthur Hayes, Samuel Reed and Greg Dwyer are accused of operating an unregistered trading platform and violating U.S. Anti-Money Laundering laws by providing unlicensed services to U.S. citizens.

Delo is the second BitMEX executive to face authorities following the arrest of former chief technology officer Reed in October 2020. Reed was released from custody the same month after posting a $5 million bond and agreeing to comply with court proceedings.

The exchange’s former CEO, Hayes, is currently located in Singapore but is cooperating with authorities to surrender in Hawaii on April 6.

According to transcripts from a court teleconference dated Feb. 16, U.S. Attorney Jessica Greenwood noted that Bermuda-based fellow co-owner Dwyer has declined to surrender. However, extradition proceedings have been initiated to return Dwyer to face the charges in the United States.